Monday, February 28, 2011
New head coaches headline Combine interview sessions
INDIANAPOLIS — Once upon a time, back in the mid-1990s when I first started attending the NFL Scouting Combine on a regular basis, the event was more like an intimate little gathering. There would be maybe 20 national football writers hanging around the Holiday Inn attached to the old RCA Dome, and when the draft-eligible players were paraded out for interviews, everybody would just crowd around them in assorted little groups, notepads in hand.
There were no transcriptions made available. The only tweets came from the pigeons outside the building. And as far as head coaches and front-office people were concerned, they were essentially off limits — except after hours, when you could latch on to some pretty interesting stuff while walking the streets of Indy, or hanging out at St. Elmo's.
Fast forward to Day Four at this year's Combine. Heading into what figures to be a relatively subdued Sunday, no less than 37 head coaches and GMs have made their presence felt during interviews ranging anywhere from 10-15 minutes with the national media. For the most part, they are pretty bland. Revelations are few and far between. But to the NFL's credit, it gives my media counterparts and me a chance to get up close and personal with an increasingly large assortment of movers and shakers.
On the first two days of this year's Combine, a combined 34 head coaches and GMs made their way to the podium. I suspect that magnitude signals a new trend, as it would seem dealing with guys like me is way at the bottom of their Combine to-do lists. By the time the weekend rolls around, with workouts starting to push into high gear, their focus is understandably riveted on the cone drills and 40-times going on inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
But beggars can't be choosers, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to at least have a little face time with such a large and varied collection of NFL decision makers.
That's especially the case with the new guys on the block. Counting Leslie Frazier and Jason Garrett, who got a bit of a head start in interim roles this past season, all eight of the league's new NFL head coaches took a little time to allow us to get inside their heads.
What follows are some quick impressions on how each of them came across, presented in order of their appearances:
Ron Rivera / Panthers
After coming up short in his fair share of head-coaching derbies, Rivera finally crossed the finish line first in Carolina, where he faces the immediate challenge of making a sound decision with the first overall pick in this year's draft.
"I'm very excited," Rivera said. "It's great to have the opportunity. It may be overdue, but I think the biggest thing to understand is the opportunity and the fit were just right."
Rivera was asked what his biggest adjustment would be in his first year as a head coach.
"It's not being able to be hands-on," he said. "I've kind of gone through the progression. Having been a coordinator, really, it was tough to be involved with a position, and I assume as a head coach, it's going to be like that, but (former Eagles defensive coordinator) Jim Johnson gave me a tremendous piece of advice a long time ago when I was working for Dave Wannstedt (in Chicago). He said, 'if you're going to be a head coach some day, don't ever forget what you do best. Be around that side of the ball.' So, I will be around the defensive side, but every now and then I have to pop in and keep the offensive guys honest.
"I'll do the best I can."
Rivera is already doing the best he can as far as figuring out a plan of attack for this year's No. 1 pick.
"We've evaluated our own roster first and foremost to determine the positions we feel warrant the first pick," Rivera said. "We've eliminated it to a specific number of players, and we'll be watching those players very closely over the next month and a half, evaluating, trying to get as much information as we can and most certainly trying to see which player — regardless of position — fits our needs most urgently."
Another huge challenge facing Rivera is the seemingly staunch competition in the NFC South, with the Saints, Falcons and up-and-coming Buccaneers all looking like legitimate playoff contenders in 2011.
"You look at all three of those teams, and they all have franchise-style quarterbacks," Rivera said. "I think if there is something that has to happen, we have to come up with our own, and then we have to continue to prepare ourselves to be ready to take the challenge on."
The suspicion here is that Rivera will be more than up to the task in a division in which bottom feeders are known for making dramatic turnarounds in short order.
John Fox / Broncos
I couldn't help being struck by the irony of Fox speaking about 15 minutes after Rivera, the man who replaced him as the Panthers' head coach. Predictably, it didn't take long for Fox to land on his feet in Denver, where he genuinely believes he can orchestrate the same kind of quick fix he constructed in Carolina.
"I go into every season wanting to win a world championship," Fox said. "That's the only reason I've gone any place I've ever been, whether as an assistant or a head coach."
I can't help but be intrigued by Fox's alliance with John Elway, a babe in the woods as a pro football figurehead after earning Hall of Fame status as the best quarterback ever in my opinion.
"He's all in," Fox said. "This isn't a PR move. Although, he's very big in the community in Denver. But he's burning the midnight oil, he's working hard, he's very willing to learn. This isn't rocket science. I don't think anyone's going to find the cure for cancer. But he understands what a football player looks like. Standing in the huddle and doing the things he did as a team leader and football player at the quarterback position, I think he understands what a football player looks like. I've been very impressed. He's got a great willingness to learn the things he doesn't know. But he knows football."
A lot of things have to fall into place for the Broncos, but I wouldn't be shocked in the least if Fox has them contending for a division title right away.
Jim Harbaugh / 49ers
I'll let Niners GM Trent Baalke speak for me as far as Harbaugh is concerned.
"As far as how his family background played into it, I am a big believer in pedigree," Baalke said. "Jim has been a football guy his entire life. His father was a well-respected coach, so he grew up playing it and wanting to be a coach. He started coaching, as a matter of fact, while he was still playing. He is a football man. He loves the game. He had a big respect for the game, and I think that's the passion that I saw in him.
"I just have a real good feel that he is going to be successful."
I couldn't agree more. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Baalke, a 24/7 grinder who also has really impressed me, I predict Harbaugh will hit the same kind of tape-measure home run he did with Stanford.
He really couldn't be a more perfect fit for the Niners.
Hue Jackson / Raiders
Things are definitely looking up in the Bay Area. Enthusiastically taking on every question, Jackson was one fired-up dude, immediately establishing a very un-Raider like rapport.
Jackson was asked what the biggest change was for him as a head coach as opposed to being an offensive coordinator.
"The biggest thing for me is finding time so I can work out," he said with a smile that lit up the room. "It's amazing. You just don't have any time. You look up, and you want to go work out and you don't have the time to do it. I think the fun part for me has been hiring our staff."
Jackson really does look like he's having fun, even though he works for a man in Al Davis known for being difficult to an extreme.
Jackson was asked about the widely held perception that a job with the Raiders is, according to the guy who asked him the question, the "worst job you can have in the NFL."
"That's not true," Jackson said emphatically. "I can't speak for the men before me. My relationship with coach Davis is probably different than everybody else's. This guy knows football. I can actually sit down and have a conversation about the power play, about the gap play, about the zone play, a pass play, and that's different. And that's not putting down any of the other owners I ever worked for, but he was a coach in this league.
"All the stories that I hear about this and that and the other, I haven't experienced that yet. If it's coming, when it does come then I'll deal with it, but I don't see it."
What I see in Jackson is a surprisingly refreshing guy who really has his act together. Whatever happens, the Raiders are going to be fun to watch.
What a difference from the undeniable tension that marred the Tom Cable regime!
Mike Munchak / Titans
Is there a new head coach more under the gun than Munchak? I think not. Not only is he taking over for Jeff Fisher, who had been the longest-tenured head coach in the league by a wide margin with a great league-wide reputation, but the Titans' QB situation is a total mess!
That said, Munchak, who previously excelled as the Titans' offensive line coach, looks like he can handle anything that comes his way.
"When this opportunity came with the Titans, I felt I was the perfect fit," Munchak said. "I had been with the organization for almost 30 years, and with the situation we're about to go into, I felt I knew exactly what needed to change. Also, I feel my leadership style and the way I do things, hopefully, will be attractive to the players, the way I approach the game, the way I love the game, and I think that is contagious.
"So I am looking forward to the opportunity to finally be the guy to surround myself with the type of coaches I want to be surrounded with and go forward with all this."
So far so good.
Jason Garrett / Cowboys
Unlike Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who attracted the biggest crowd of any of the head coaches this year, Garrett was not quite ready to make any brash predictions about winning the Super Bowl.
But he did predict that his revamped coaching staff will keep the Cowboys on the right track, with new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, Rex's burly brother, leading the way.
"I feel great about the staff," Garrett said. "One of the big things you have to do in order to be successful is pick good people. Each of these guys I have some connection to in my past. I think they've been at different times in their careers at the top of their field. I have a great comfort level with each of them, and I'm excited to have them be a part of our staff."
It wasn't surprising Garrett's audience wanted to hear more about Rob Ryan, and the Cowboys' head coach did not disappoint them.
"I'll tell you a quick story about Rob," Garrett said. "We had an interview. I believe he came in on a Friday. He came into my office and he had on a coat and tie and his hair was nicely combed. He looked good. But we started talking football, and about three minutes into our conversation, I'd never seen a guy who wanted to get out of a coat and tie more than this guy, and so I said, 'Rob just take the thing off,' so literally he went boom and got rid of the tie, grabbed a pen and started going on the board. And it didn't take long.
"I was impressed by the effort. I was impressed by the coat and tie, and I was equally as impressed with him getting rid of it and getting going and really being who he is."
Good story, Mr. Garrett.
Leslie Frazier / Vikings
Frazier picked up where he left off this past season after taking over for Brad Childress, looking like he had a great grip on the challenges facing the Vikings in the months ahead.
"Without question, we have a much better feel for our football team after going back and looking at the 2010 season and just trying to ascertain what pieces we need to fit in order for us to close the gap on the teams in the NFC North," Frazier said. "We feel good about the evaluation process we've done with our current roster."
Settling on a new quarterback is Frazier's top priority.
"Well, we're going to try to be as thorough as we can be," Frazier said. "We're going to try to find the right guy. As you know, there are guys who have been free agents, who weren't even signed to teams who end up starting in the National Football League. We know one in New England who was a sixth-round pick who has done some good things in our league.
"I don't know if you want to limit yourself to five or six quarterbacks to evaluate. We're not going to do that. We're going to take a look at every draft-eligible guy and those that aren't draft-eligible. Even some potential veteran NFL quarterbacks to try to determine which guy best fits our situation."
Look for Frazier to find the right man under center. And whatever happens, look for him to be a really class act who will consistently command his players' attention, which will obviously be a lot different than the vibe under Childress.
Pat Shurmur / Browns
I'll be honest. After the way Shurmur coordinated the Rams' offense in their final game last season in Seattle, I'm still scratching my head over the Browns' decision to make him their new field general.
And after checking him out in Indy, I'm still scratching.
But allow me to defer to Rams GM Billy Devaney, whose opinions on everything I respect a great deal.
"You know, you hear the stuff about players and coaches 'getting it,'" Devaney said. "More than anything, Pat gets it. He's got a great way with players, relating to 'em, understanding. Knowing when to push, when to back off. He's got a really good offensive mind, but besides that, just the way he relates with players I think is fantastic."
Shurmur was asked how the Rams' rebuilding experience compared to the Browns' rebuilding challenge.
''I think each team's different, but I am impressed with the foundation that's there in Cleveland," he said. "I was very impressed with how hard the guys played throughout the season. I'm very impressed by some of the players that are still there, and I feel good as we move forward that we're gonna add players to our roster that are gonna make us better."
Stay tuned.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/27/new-head-coaches-headline-combine-interview-sessio
Kansas City Chiefs phil baroni pride mma rashad evans renzo gracie rich franklin
Knicks Vs. Heat Score: Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James Dueling Early In First Quarter
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Bengals could draft QB in first round
The Bengals are evaluating players at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis under the premise that QB Carson Palmer will not return, making it a possibility they spend their fourth overall pick on a signalcaller.
New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden told Bengals.com that the options are still open for any position, and added, "We might not take a quarterback in the first five rounds, who knows?" But with Palmer's trade request, the story says that head coach Marvin Lewis is "proceeding as if Palmer isn't going to be (in Cincinnati)."
Team president Mike Brown is reportedly sitting in on some of the interviews with prospects, as the Bengals are one of the teams scheduled to meet with top QB prospects.
Gruden mentioned how his brother, Jon, never took a quarterback before the third round in Tampa Bay.
"Get a Matt Ryan and an Aaron Rodgers and build around him. Now those teams don't have to draft that," he said. "They can go linemen and receivers and get stronger and stronger."
With a young quarterback, Gruden also mentioned the importance of a workhorse back, like Cedric Benson, to help a young quarterback. Benson is set to be a free agent and Gruden admitted that Benson likely will go where the money is despite the fact that the Texas product had a great meeting with Gruden about his role with Cincy if he stays.
Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert and Auburn QB Cam Newton are considered to be the top two quarterback prospects in April's draft.
The way we see it
Before Palmer's trade demands, we wouldn't have put the Bengals in the "need a quarterback" category. But with the fourth overall pick, they are in prime position to take Gabbert or Newton. But Gruden was sure to keep open the possibility of any position being addressed. PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki and other draft writers have projected the Bengals taking Georgia WR A.J. Green with their top pick.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/27/bengals-could-draft-qb-in-first-round
frank mir georges st. pierre gracie inside mma joe riggs jon fitch
Spank Tank: Octagon Girls hit the beach in Oz
"Don't get a boner... don't get a boner... don't get a boner..."
As part of the UFC's media tour in Australia for UFC 127, they paid a visit to Sydney's famous Bondi Beach for some surfing lessons... in other words, as an excuse to parade around the Octagon Girls in their bikinis. Luckily, Tracy Lee of Combat Lifestyle was there to snap a bunch of photos, bless her heart. 19 more pics await your review beyond the jump. Please join us, won't you?
Source: http://www.fightlinker.com/spank-tank-octagon-girls-hit-the-beach-in-oz
Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome
Erik Morales: Manny Pacquiao 'Knows I'm Poison to Him'
Filed under: WBA, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos. A 34-year-old, three-division king, Erik Morales (51-6, 35 KOs) was the last man to defeat eight-division and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) titlist Manny Pacquiao, doing so in March of 2005 by unanimous decision.
Pacquiao has since won 13 straight fights, with stoppages of Morales in the third and 10th rounds being among his eight knockouts during that run.
On April 9, Morales will face former WBA interim junior welterweight (140 pounds) titlist Marcos Rene Maidana (29-2, 27 KOs) of Argentina on HBO.
FanHouse spoke to Morales about Maidana and Pacquiao.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/23/erik-morales-rips-manny-pacquiao-talks-marcos-rene-maidana/
cage fighter cage fighters dana white dana white blog diego sanchez
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Amir Khan Hangs With NBA's Ron Artest
Filed under: WBA, Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, FanHouse Exclusive
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos. WBA junior welterweight king Amir Khan and NBA star Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers were hanging out at Golden Boy Promotions' Fight Night Club at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles, and FanHouse was there.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/amir-khan-hangs-with-nbas-ron-artest/
frank mir georges st. pierre gracie inside mma joe riggs jon fitch
Schneider: Seahawks talking contract with Hasselbeck
INDIANAPOLIS — Seahawks GM John Schneider said contract negotiations are going well with QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Schneider, who called Hasselbeck "Mr. Seattle" in his chat with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, said there has been plenty of talk between the sides as they work out the parameters of a new deal.
"You know what? It's going good," Schneider said. "We're having great dialogue."
Schneider didn't try to diminish the value of Hasselbeck or the position he plays.
"I think you've heard me say it before: The head coach and the quarterback are the most important people in the building," he said. "I would say we're having good dialogue."
The Seahawks have protected themselves for the future at the position, too. The team made a trade prior to Draft Day in 2010 to land Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers, and the thought was that he would be the favorite to win the QB job last season despite minimal experience in the NFL prior to that.
But Hasselbeck was the choice for head coach Pete Carroll, and he turned in a so-so season statistically at age 35, with 12 TD passes and only 17 interceptions with five lost fumbles. That said, Hasselbeck retained the starting job until Week 17, when the Seahawks fended off the Rams to win the NFC West.
Schneider said Whitehurst showed a lot in the win.
"Charlie had the one game and he did a good job," Schneider said. "He just hasn't had the opportunities that other people have had. I think the St. Louis game was a perfect example. It was really the first week they put a nice game plan together for him, and it was a huge game for him.
"(Playing) those two games at the end of the year, they don't get any better than that and that's what Pete has been preaching — for a championship atmosphere. And Charlie stepped into a championship atmosphere that night. But we're always going to be trying to find those guys to compete at that position. It's the most important position on the team."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/25/schneider-seahawks-talking-contract-with-hasselbec
Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles
Segio Martinez Works Out With Former Champ Daniel Santos
Filed under: WBC, WBO, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos. FanHouse caught up to southpaw former WBC middleweight (160 pounds) king Sergio Martinez is training with ex-titlist Daniel Santos at the World Crown SPorts Gym in Oxnard, Calif., for his HBO televised March 12 clash with WBO junior middleweight (154) champ Sergei Dzinziruk.
FanHouse also spoke to Martinez's trainer, FanHouse Trainer of the Year, Gabriel Sarmiento.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/segio-martinez-sparring-former-world-champ-daniel-santos/
Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack
Friday, February 25, 2011
Houston Alexander to Rematch James Irvin at Shark Fights 14
Filed under: News
Houston Alexander revealed Thursday on Twitter that he will face James Irvin at Shark Fights 14 on March 11 in Lubbock, Texas.The light heavyweight fight will be a rematch from UFC Fight Night 13 in April 2008 where Irvin knocked out Alexander with Superman punch in just eight seconds.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/24/houston-alexander-to-rematch-james-irvin-at-shark-fights-14/
Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers anderson silva best mma
Connecticut Moves Towards MMA Sanctioning
State representative Matt Lesser recently introduced the proposal and testified before the state legislature's Public Safety Committee. UFC vice president of government and regulatory affairs Marc Ratner also attended and spoke at a recent hearing at the state capitol.
The bill would regulate the sport while taxing ticket revenue. According to the proposal, five percent of an event's gross receipts would be paid to the state.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/24/connecticut-moves-towards-mma-sanctioning/
St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs phil baroni pride mma rashad evans
Houston Alexander to Rematch James Irvin at Shark Fights 14
Filed under: News
Houston Alexander revealed Thursday on Twitter that he will face James Irvin at Shark Fights 14 on March 11 in Lubbock, Texas.The light heavyweight fight will be a rematch from UFC Fight Night 13 in April 2008 where Irvin knocked out Alexander with Superman punch in just eight seconds.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/24/houston-alexander-to-rematch-james-irvin-at-shark-fights-14/
Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles
iamphoenix's other other UFC 127 poster
Unimpressed with the "alternate" poster for UFC 127, resident Jackal iamphoenix said to himself, "Self, we can do better than that piece of shit." And so they did.
Dig how BJ's all like "sup," and looking predictably doughy at welterweight, while Jon Fitch (or maybe Forrest Griffin?) was thoughtful enough to bring him a pillow. Down below, Bisping is crying rivers of indignant tears over Rivera's series of trash-talking videos, while Rivera is... okay I don't know WTF he's doing. Maybe nothing. Rivera don't have to do shit if he don't want to, son.
iamphoenix wanted me to say that this poster made me jizz on my dog, but I don't have a dog. I'd say it made me jizz on my wife's kitty instead, but I don't stoop to such juvenile innuendo.
Anyway, he didn't stop there. After the jump, his prediction for how the BJ/Fitch fight will play out:
Source: http://www.fightlinker.com/iamphoenixs-other-other-ufc-127-poster
Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs
A funny thing happened on the way to Japan...
"What, me worry?"
Oh hey, you'll never guess what happened to the second bracket of Strikeforce's heavyweight grand prix. In a development that should surprise no one, Sherdog reports that Strikeforce has been forced to push the rest of the tourney quarterfinals (Ubereem/Werdum and Barnett/Rogers) off of their pseudo-planned April 9th card. That show will now go down in California, and while it's not specifically stated, I guess we can assume that the idea of holding it in conveniently commission-less Japan fell through, so Scott Coker was forced to return to his old stomping grounds. Which of course means Josh Barnett and his steroid-ridden moobs have to stay home, which of course means they might as well postpone the whole bracket until they can come up with a Plan B.
This is still a rumor at this point, so there's no word on how long the tourney will be delayed. And at least one journalist is already questioning if this tale is true to begin with, but since Coker won't return his calls and the rest of the SF staff are apparently left shrugging their shoulders, it doesn't look good.
The word is that the rumored Melendez/Kawajiri lightweight title fight will step up to fill the void, along with welterweight champ Nick Diaz versus Question Mark. Remember when I mused aloud whether SF would promote Tyron Woodley up from the Challengers shows if Paul Daley lost his outsourced title eliminator against Yuya Shirai this weekend? Probably not, but just roll with me here. Well I must be a low-level psychic, because Cesar Gracie told Sherdog that Woodley is indeed being considered to challenge Diaz in case Daley either loses the Shirai fight, or wins but then turns down Diaz due to short notice. April 9th would be exactly 6 weeks from this weekend, and if Jon Jones can handle that, then I submit that Daley would be a wanker to not suck it up too.
As for the man directly responsible for this whole shit-show, Barnett basically pulled the "no comment" defense, and said that he would simply adjust his schedule to make sure he'll be at peak doughy physical condition to throw down with Brett Rogers, if and when that actually happens. I hereby pray to Xenu that possibly-roided Ubereem will one day utterly fucking crush Barnett's definitely-roided head flat in the semi-finals as karmic revenge for this bullshit. A man can dream, can't he?
Source: http://www.fightlinker.com/a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-way-to-japan
New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos
Super MMA Vegi-Squad
Eddie Munster Dave Meltzer has an article all about vegetarianism, the latest health craze sweeping MMA. And as obnoxious as vegetarians can be about not eating hotdogs made of horse anus and cow snout, I'd say it's a better trend than dehydrating yourself to the point where your brain's veins start fusing together. Take a lesson from Thiago Alves, Kenny Florian.
Anyways, Dave goes over a partial list of vegi-fighters, from Jon Fitch to Jake Shields to the Diaz brothers. Most of them do it for health and performance reasons, but then there's full on vegan Mac Danzig who does it as a moral thing:
Danzig ponders about peoople with pets who know of the often inhumane conditions animals raised for food are subjected to.
?I don?t understand how anyone can have an animal in their life and know what is going on and contribute to it,? Danzig said. ?You don?t need any kind of animal products to be an athlete in this day and age.?
Danzig came upon the vegetarian diet differently from Fitch and the Diaz brothers, who did it for their sport. He cites being on a farm at 13 and seeing a truck taking pigs to slaughter, making eye contact with a pig on the way to its death, and the moment having a profound effect on him.
It's too bad that one of the smartest animals out there is also one of the most delicious. And we are most definitely cocksuckers when it comes to how we treat our food while it's still alive and capable of feeling emotions like pain, and oh I don't know SHEER FUCKING TERROR. I assume that's what a pig feels when it's buried alive in mass graves along with several million of it's piggy pals.
You know how we look back on past generations and say "Oh man, how could you be such raging dildos over the treatment of women / black people / gays / etc?" I'm sure in another 100 years our great grandchildren will look back on videos of us stuffing our fat faces with flesh and go wow, that's fucked up. Hopefully they'll also have taken care of that whole third world issue too, because before we start getting too uppity about people eating meat we might wanna make sure they're not starving to death and eating dirt a scant 700 miles from Miami Beach.
Source: http://www.fightlinker.com/super-mma-vegi-squad
phil baroni pride mma rashad evans renzo gracie rich franklin roger huerta
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Transitioning Vikings trying to keep team together, looking for franchise QB
INDIANAPOLIS — "Transition" would be an appropriate way to describe the Minnesota Vikings. Leslie Frazier is entering his first full season as head coach. Bill Musgrave has been hired to coordinate the offense. QB Brett Favre is (supposedly) retired. And plenty of key players are about to hit the open market.
But the Vikes have one major constant: Pro Bowl RB Adrian Peterson. To no one's surprise, he's going to get the ball as much as ever in 2011.
"I know Leslie, when he has spoken, that he wants to run the football," said Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman while speaking Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "When you have No. 28 in the backfield, that's going to be a key part of our offense. But I also know that we have some pretty good weapons in Percy (Harvin), along with Shank (TE Visanthe Shiancoe), and we're hopefully working on some other of our UFAs to keep on offense."
Specifically, Spielman was referring to WR Sidney Rice, who missed most of 2010 but proved to be an elite target during his Pro Bowl '09 campaign. Retaining him could be critical as Minnesota attempts to move on from Favre.
And that leap likely will be a significant one. The Vikings very well could go from having a 41-year-old veteran under center to a 22-year-old rookie. Picking No. 12 in the draft, Minnesota could target a QB and might even start him from Day One. If the club does take a passer, Spielman wants somebody who can be a leader both on and off the field.
"I think the quarterback is going to be, hopefully, that face of your organization," he said. "He's going to be one of your leaders on your team so you are going to really hone in on a lot of the intangible part of that player. He has to have the physical skill set to do what he needs to do to be successful in the NFL. But he also has to have a lot of those other intangibles that are very, very important, especially at that position."
The Vikings could also have a big hole at defensive end if they can't work out a deal with free agent Ray Edwards, who has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons. But they are not yet ready to give up on Everson Griffen, despite his numerous off-field issues.
"I know Leslie and Everson had a pretty good conversation," said Spielman. "... He is a very talented football player and (we) felt very fortunate we were able to get him in the draft last year and showed signs of that as a rookie. (We) have a lot of high expectations for him going into next season."
Just because the Vikings have faith in Griffen doesn't mean they're about to abandon their efforts to re-sign Edwards or their other top free agents. In fact, this week in Indy is a big one for them.
"We'll have a lot of meetings to talk to our players and let them know where we're at right now and if there's any potential deals that can get done," said Spielman. "We'll explore all that while we're here."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/24/transitioning-vikings-trying-to-keep-team-together
strikeforce mma tapout ufc ultimate fighting Jim Brown Lou Groza
Transitioning Vikings trying to keep team together, looking for franchise QB
INDIANAPOLIS — "Transition" would be an appropriate way to describe the Minnesota Vikings. Leslie Frazier is entering his first full season as head coach. Bill Musgrave has been hired to coordinate the offense. QB Brett Favre is (supposedly) retired. And plenty of key players are about to hit the open market.
But the Vikes have one major constant: Pro Bowl RB Adrian Peterson. To no one's surprise, he's going to get the ball as much as ever in 2011.
"I know Leslie, when he has spoken, that he wants to run the football," said Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman while speaking Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "When you have No. 28 in the backfield, that's going to be a key part of our offense. But I also know that we have some pretty good weapons in Percy (Harvin), along with Shank (TE Visanthe Shiancoe), and we're hopefully working on some other of our UFAs to keep on offense."
Specifically, Spielman was referring to WR Sidney Rice, who missed most of 2010 but proved to be an elite target during his Pro Bowl '09 campaign. Retaining him could be critical as Minnesota attempts to move on from Favre.
And that leap likely will be a significant one. The Vikings very well could go from having a 41-year-old veteran under center to a 22-year-old rookie. Picking No. 12 in the draft, Minnesota could target a QB and might even start him from Day One. If the club does take a passer, Spielman wants somebody who can be a leader both on and off the field.
"I think the quarterback is going to be, hopefully, that face of your organization," he said. "He's going to be one of your leaders on your team so you are going to really hone in on a lot of the intangible part of that player. He has to have the physical skill set to do what he needs to do to be successful in the NFL. But he also has to have a lot of those other intangibles that are very, very important, especially at that position."
The Vikings could also have a big hole at defensive end if they can't work out a deal with free agent Ray Edwards, who has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons. But they are not yet ready to give up on Everson Griffen, despite his numerous off-field issues.
"I know Leslie and Everson had a pretty good conversation," said Spielman. "... He is a very talented football player and (we) felt very fortunate we were able to get him in the draft last year and showed signs of that as a rookie. (We) have a lot of high expectations for him going into next season."
Just because the Vikings have faith in Griffen doesn't mean they're about to abandon their efforts to re-sign Edwards or their other top free agents. In fact, this week in Indy is a big one for them.
"We'll have a lot of meetings to talk to our players and let them know where we're at right now and if there's any potential deals that can get done," said Spielman. "We'll explore all that while we're here."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/24/transitioning-vikings-trying-to-keep-team-together
Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers anderson silva best mma bj penn cage fighter
Sergio Martinez Celebrates 36th Birthday
Filed under: WBC, WBO, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive, Top Rank Promotions
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos. Former WBC middleweight (160 pounds) champion Sergio Martinez (46-2-2, 25 knockouts) has an HBO televised, March 12 clash opposite WBO junior middleweight (154 pounds) king Sergei Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), in a clash of southpaws that will take place at the MGM Grand Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Martinez was named the FanHouse Fighter of the Year for 2010, this, following an April, HBO televised decision over Top Rank Promotions then-WBO and WBC king Kelly Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs), and, November's second-round stoppage of southpaw Paul Williams (39-2, 27 KOs).
Martinez turned 36 years old on Feb. 21, and FanHouse was on hand to witness his birthday celebration.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/sergio-martinez-celebrates-36th-birthday/
Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Prince Amukamara's draft diary, Part 2
Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara is talking to Pro Football Weekly's Andrew Struckmeyer for a weekly diary leading up to the draft. In his second entry, Amukamara touches on a variety of topics, including his preparations for the NFL Scouting Combine, which will begin later this week in Indianapolis.
On what is going to be his best event at the NFL Combine:
Amukamara: I think the pro agility and position drills are going to be my best event, because that's where I put more of my focus on here at API (Athletes Performance Institute), and I'm happy with what I accomplished here. I've put in a lot of work in the weight room, a lot of hip work, and a lot of reps just doing it out on the field.
On his emotions prior to the Combine:
Amukamara: At first I was nervous, but now I'm just more excited to really show off all the hard work I've been putting in over these past three months. I'm usually a team-first guy, and it's kind of weird that this part of the process is all about me.
On his latest preparation for the Combine:
This week and last week was all about refinement and fine-tuning things. It's gone from two-a-days to one-a-days. We've been practicing test-taking habits, and the secrets to the Wonderlic, like if a question is hard, move on and come back to it later. And the interviews, we've just had mock interviews with the camera on our face, just answering questions. It's been kind of tough, because it's kind of intimidating knowing that there are going to be six or seven guys in the room that already know stuff about you, so it's kind of easy to slip up and lie, but I think as long as I am myself and reveal my true character, I'll be OK.
Combine predictions:
While I would like to keep predictions about myself behind closed doors, I do think Brandon Burton, who is working out with me at API, is going to open some eyes. He is a very speedy guy with a track history. He's very technically sound, and his ball skills are great.
Latest movie review:
Last night I went with Brandon Burton, J.J. Watt, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder and Randall Cobb to see "Never Say Never." It's actually a really good movie, it's really inspirational and it definitely displays the message that dreams can come true.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/22/prince-amukamaras-draft-diary-part-2
Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions
They Said It: week of Feb. 21
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects his team to be competing for a Super Bowl ring again next season, as quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "We'll be there. We'll be there. … Our intentions have not and will not change. We have a desire to compete for a world championship each and every year. We're going to be unwavering in that pursuit." Tomlin went on to discuss filling former secondary coach Ray Horton's vacant position: "Really, I'm just still in the information-gathering process. I'm in no hurry to be honest with you."
Texans LB DeMeco Ryans, quoted in the Houston Chronicle on the transition to a 3-4 scheme next season: "I don't think it'll be a big issue. There will be a change in terminology. It's a little different, alignment-wise, but football is football." Added Ryans on working with new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips: "I'm excited about working with Wade and the track record he has. He's proved he can take over a defense and get it going on the right track. I'm excited to learn from a coach who's been doing it for over 30 years."
Vikings LB Chad Greenway, explaining that he was not disappointed to learn the Vikings slapped the franchise tag on him Monday, as quoted on TwinCities.com: "I'm happy to know that the Vikings value me enough to make this move. I look forward to this season and playing for coach Frazier, coach Pagac and coach Singletary. It's been a goal of mine since getting drafted to play with the Vikings my whole career. I think we're one step closer to that now. My family and I love living in the Twin Cities and I want to be a part of the Vikings for years to come. I feel like the team has a bright future and I want to be a part of that."
49ers new head coach Jim Harbaugh, quoted on NFL.com regarding the advantage he has in being familiar with many of the college prospects who will attend the NFL Combine this week: "It's helpful in knowing guys, especially their backgrounds, how they're wired. I don't know to what degree it helps, but it's helpful." Added Harbaugh on what he hopes to continue finding out about the young men this week: "I'm looking for how they're wired, competitively, as people. I'm looking to see what they can grasp in terms of your schemes, intellectually. Physically, I want to see how much gas is in their tank and what their energy is like in drills. There's quite a number of things."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/22/they-said-it-week-of-feb-21
New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Justice may need major knee surgery
Eagles ORT Winston Justice is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday in Alabama to treat a bone chip in his left knee. If the procedure doesn't correct the problem, however, Justice may need a second operation, one that could hold him out of the 2011 season.
Justice hurt his knee in December and will receive treatment from specialist Dr. James Andrews, according to The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal. It is unknown if the surgery will fully repair the damage to the knee and, microfracture surgery may be required. The newspaper reports that the best-case scenario is that Justice will only need arthroscopic surgery for the bone chip, a surgery that has a recovery time of 3-4 weeks.
The injury limited Justice's productivity down the stretch of the season for the Eagles, and the tackle was removed from the team's playoff game vs. the Packers in the fourth quarter after committing three penalties earlier in the game.
The way we see it
Andrews has a history of working wonders on athletes, but even the doctor said he isn't sure how serious Justice's injury is until he's actually looking inside his knee. The major concern for Eagles management is that no matter how long Justice's rehab is, all of it will be done away from the team. If there is a lockout, players will not be allowed to recover at team facilities, and trainers won't be able to oversee the rehab of injured players.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/21/justice-may-need-major-knee-surgery
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies
Brandon Rios, Robert Garcia Talk Mike Jones-Jesus Soto-Karass
Filed under: WBA, Boxing Video, Boxing Rumors, HBO, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive, Top Rank Promotions
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos. In last Saturday night's HBO televised bout, welterweight (147 pounds) contender Mike Jones (24-0, 18 knockouts) earned a bloody unanimous decision over Jesus Soto Karass (25-6-3, 16 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
Trainer Robert Garcia and rising lightweight (135 pounds) star Brandon Rios (26-0-1, 19 KOs) give their take on the Jones-Soto-Karass fight.
Garcia is prepping Rios for a Showtime televised, Feb. 26 appearance opposite WBA champ Miguel Acosta (28-3, 22 KOs), who has a 19-fight winning streak the includes 12 knockouts, and stoppages in his previous three bouts.
Rios is coming off of an HBO pay per view televised, Top Rank Promotions Nov. 13, fourth-round knockout of Omri Lowther (14-3, 10 KOs) that took place at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
CAUTION: STRONG LANGUAGE
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/brandon-rios-robert-garcia-talk-mike-jones-jesus-soto-karass/
Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers anderson silva