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Archive for May, 2009
Deleware NFL sports gambling
A new sports gambling law expected to generate millions for the fiscally strapped state of Delaware was left in tack by the state’s Supreme Court. The states governor Jack Markell stated: “This decision resolves the legal issues … and provides a solid legal framework for our sports lottery.”
The 5 state justices unanimous ruling will probably not be the end of the legal battle before Delaware can offer a form of legal sports betting like in the Nevada casinos.
The NFL may join forces with other pro leagues to compel the state’s highest court to rule again via a law suit. They lost 32 years ago after the state’s first attempt at a sports lottery but the ruling stated “chance was the dominant, determining factor” in that betting system.
No Pardon in Serving Your Time
With the unfortunate collapse of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility back on May 2nd injuring 12 people including permanently paralyzed Rich Behm, a Cowboys scouting assistant, the blame is being set.
As investigation of the reason behind the structure collapse relevant but unnecessary media coverage may be focusing all too much on a consultant accused of faking his education credentials whom also served federal prison time for drug trafficking.
These are interesting details being brought to light, and the credentials that awarded him the position which he was responsible are all relevant points that have come to light. Overall the amount of focus being placed on his incarceration should be an irrelevant fact unless a specific reasoning is behind the fact. An ex-con making his way in a legitimate profession with questionable credentials, who may have not had the necessary skills to oversee the project that failed to uphold. A valid point that would warrant fraud charges. On the other hand his past charges have no merit. We do believe in our rehabilitation process after all, right?
The NFL and NCAA has adopted adverse background checks including social media site’s but individual team development projects get a simple once over. There seems to be something to point out in that thought process. Afterall the players throw a football around and crack heads, the structures involve the safety of the safety of everyone involved. Focus on the important facts, as it would be hard to attest to an intentional part in the horrible incident.
Retired NFL Players Gathering to Make a Stand
With what is said to be the worst benefits of any professional sports league the NFL players are determined to make a difference by gathering to discuss a marketing initiative in a first time Independent Retired Players Summit.
“It’s not going to be a legal entity,” said Bob Grant, retired linebacker of the Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins in the late 1960s and early ’70s. “It’s not going to be a situation where we’ve got somebody running around who’s president and trying to be a very important man. We want to keep it absolutely as democratic as we possibly can.
Coming on the same weekend as the NFLPA held Retired Players Convention ‘preventing’ NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith from being able to attend and participate in a chance for these retired players to ensure a better future for all NFL retirees.
NFL Players Fit but Still At Risk
With a huge part of America and especially the media continuing to promote health it is of no surprise that an NFL study was performed comparing the health of football players to those of the average male adult. Stemming from what may very well be a number of sporadic deaths has raised concern along with the increase in body mass index in players that has occurred in the past 30 years as linemen on both sides of the ball look to increase their physical weight.
The study recorded players’ height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol and self-reported health histories, and compared that to data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.
Despite the expected taller and larger size of the players the study authors of Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore only found a significanly higher prevelance of hypertension and prehypertension or High blood pressure (hypertension 13.8 percent of the players compared to 5.5 percent of the CARDIA group – prehypertension 64.5 percent vs. 24.2 percent respectively).
Peyton Sounds Off
The aftermath of Tony Dungy’s retirement as Indianapolis Colts head coach has Peyton Manning expressing himself.
Recent personell changes to the colts staff include Offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd leaving the team with a $1 million dollar payout as a result of recent pension plan changes by the NFL.
With their positions already filled by Clyde Christensen and Pete Metzelaars it is leading to some disarray with probably more then just Peyton Manning especially since both Moore and Mudd are somehow expected to return in perhaps different roles.
“I can’t tell you what’s going on. I will say I don’t think it’s been the most properly communicated scenario around here. It’s not a situation that I’m just thrilled about. I think the communication has been pretty poor in my opinion. Somebody says one thing, then somebody else says another thing.”
What is St. Louis Thinking?
Releasing Torry Holt, Orlando Pace, and Pisa Tinoisamoa all in one off-season… what the heck is the Rams new head coach Steve Spagnuolo thinking? Does he want St. Louis to go 2-14 again? Is this all just a cruel joke? On the surface, it looks like the new head coach of the Rams has just given the boot to about 75% of the talent on his team, but beneath the surface, Spagnuolo is building a team for the future. Spagnuolo, credited as the architect for the defense that stopped the unstoppable Patriots in the 2007 Super Bowl, is doing his best to bring fresh players and fresh thinking to the Rams. The Rams, despite winning a Super Bowl in recent memory, have looked terrible in the last few seasons. However, fans and critics alike still wonder what Spagnuolo is thinking releasing a legendary receiver, a dominating offensive tackle, and the team’s leading defensive tackler. Whatever happens in 2009, it’s clear that change will be evident. Those released from the Rams have all found homes with teams that had better records in 2008, and have a real shot at making an impact.
Meanwhile, the Rams have Steven Jackson, who looks to be the only name worth putting on Rams jerseys as the veterans are now shuffling off to other teams. With Spagnuolo at the helm, the Rams are sure to have a better defense, but with a lot of their talent gone, will that help them at all to improve their record in ‘09?
Vikings Player Suspensions Spark NFL rules vs. State Law
In a case that has become more then just a battle for player suspensions. It has become a legal battle pinning the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement against Minnesota state law.
Vikings Pat and Kevin Williams already received ruling against their favor by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson finding that the NFL did not violate public policy in suspending them for testing positive for diuretic contained in a StarCaps supplement, a banned drug in the NFL.
“We believe there are very significant barriers to a successful suit in the Minnesota courts against our collectively bargained program with the NFL Players Association that covers 32 teams and all NFL players,” a league statement said Saturday. “We are not concerned with the case as it now stands.”
The Legend Comes to Jacksonville
Torry Holt, one of the most decorated WRs in NFL history, was released by the St. Louis Rams as the 2008 season ended, and soon found himself signing a 3-year, $20 million deal to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Torry Holt, who has made regular appearances at the Pro Bowl, is one of the current leaders in the NFL in total receiving yards, and will give Jacksonville a much needed #1 WR option. While Holt had a disappointing season in 2008, he still managed to record 64 catches with about 800 yards in receptions while the St. Louis Rams finished with the second worst record in the NFL. The Rams are now under new management, and the current theme with the team seems to be “kick all the talent”. The Rams lose their most productive player and the face of the franchise in Torry Holt, but with Holt now in Jacksonville, the Jaguars have a real shot at the playoffs.
Holt is 32 years old, which isn’t the best age to be a WR, but in relative terms, he’s still young and could have a lot of good seasons ahead of him. Jerry Rice, widely regarded as the best WR of all time, was in his prime at 32, and Holt could be much the same. The Jaguars have been spotty in the last few seasons, finishing either near the bottom or in the playoffs. Torry Holt might just bring Jacksonville the consistency they need to be residual playoff contenders. Plus, it will be nice to see “Holt” on the back of Jaguars jerseys.
Can Manning Work the Miracle?
Manning, a name seen on the back of most, if not all Colts jerseys, is a name that will go down in history. Peyton Manning, who has been the QB for the Indianapolis Colts for more than a decade, is a future Hall of Famer, and NFL critics and fans alike believe that he’s still got a lot more gas in the tank. Manning is now 33, which is the age where some QBs start to see a decline in their ability, but Manning shows no sign of slowing down. The Colts have recruited a number of spectacular players since Manning has been at the helm including RBs Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai, and WR Reggie Wayne. These players lead the Colts to the playoffs, and some to become Super Bowl Champions in 2006. Regardless of what moves the Colts make in the off-season, who is traded, or who retires, Manning makes the Colts playoff and Super Bowl contenders every year. Amongst current NFL QBs, only Tom Brady can make the same claim.
Peyton Manning enjoys one of the highest QB ratings of all time, sitting at a career QB rating of 94.7, behind only Steve Young, and he’s earned it. Manning is one of the most decorated QBs in the NFL, and will be the same once he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame. With the 2006 Super Bowl still lingering in recent memory, critics and fans believe the Colts could be taking a trip to New Orleans in 2009.
Miami Dolphins Poised for Another Playoff Run?
In 2007, the Miami Dolphins finished the season at 1-15, and most predicted that it would be several seasons before the Dolphins ever returned to a winning record. However, in 2008 the Dolphins finished 11-5 under new head coach Tony Sparano, marking one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history. Teams were shocked by the Dolphins in 2008, but sports analysts predict that the shock will wear off for the 2009 season. With the shock and awe dissipating, the question is, can the Dolphins stand up against the best in the NFL without the element of surprise? The entire Dolphins team was explosive in 2008, and while the team didn’t make it past the first game of the playoffs, fans have a positive outlook for the 2009 season.
The Dolphins have a few outstanding candidates to lead the team into ’09, including QB Chad Pennington, who showed that he can compete against the best defenses in the NFL. The Dolphins also have RB Ronnie Brown, a potential breakout candidate for 2009 and a player fast becoming a fan favorite. In addition, Jason Taylor, who some would argue is the face of the franchise, returns for 2009. The current leader in career sacks in the NFL, Taylor is a force to be reckoned with on defense, and fans can bring out their Taylor Dolphins jerseys and display them with pride. The Dolphins have a bright season ahead with new and old faces returning; can they make the playoffs again?
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