Over the last few seasons we have seen red shirt freshmen breaking into the starting line up. Such as Jake Locker for the Washington Huskies.
Today it is more common than in years past. Why is this?
One might think and rightly so, kids are bigger and stronger. Better diets, training equipment, coaching and just better talented athletes coming out of high school.
I have seen three red shirt freshman debut this season and it certainly has been the season of the red shirt.
Starting off would be Kellen Moore of Boise State. He is the red shirt freshman for the Broncos. He has stood up to every test offered this season.
His biggest test came at the end of Sept, taking the unranked Boise State Broncos into Eugene, Oregon to face the then ranked 17th, Oregon Ducks in Autzen Stadium. For those who don't know, Autzen is one of the more difficult stadiums to play in college football.
Eugene is filled with rabid Duck fans and they do bring the noise.
Duck coach Bellotti's game plan was simple, stop the run and make Boise win with a freshman QB playing just his 3rd game of college ball and doing his first road trip.
Moore gutted the ducks, lighting them up for 386 yards and 3 TDs.
The next young red shirt I saw was Darron Thomas in the same BSU - Oregon game. He entered the game end of the 3rd quarter start of the fourth.
Bellotti had been hoping to save Thomas's red shirt, but being down 37 to 13 the Ducks needed something. In spite of being sacked once and picked twice, Thomas showed why the Ducks wanted him. He lit up Boise State for over 200 yards passing and three touchdowns, bringing the game to a 37 to 32 final.
The third red shirt freshman to shine last week was Oregon State's running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
This kid led the unranked Oregon State Beavers against the #1 ranked Trojans of USC at Resser Stadium in Corvalis, Oregon.
Rodgers is by all standards small for a running back standing 5'6 and weighing in at 198 lbs. However neither size or the men from Troys defense could stop the OSU running back from carving them up. Running for 186 yards and two touchdowns, Rodgers led this Beavers to a 27 to 21 upset victory over the mighty USC Trojans.
Is this the season of the red shirt freshman, the above three and others across the college football world say it is so.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week Of Upsets
This past week was a week of notable upsets in the college ranks, showing the pundits are no better than picking teams than us every day people.
A week ago Saturday found the unranked Boise State Broncos in Autzen Stadium a 10 point underdog to the 12th ranked Oregon Ducks.
Oregon was featuring two stallion running backs and on their first scoring drive, they made the pundits look smart. They ran through the Bronco defense at will and marched the ball with a classic leap over a defender into the end zone.
Then it was Boise's turn and the red shirt freshman Kellen Moore answered the call, lighting up the Duck defense for 386 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick.
Going into the 4th quarter it was BSU 37 Ducks 23.
The Ducks burned D. Thomas's red shirt and put him at the end of the third period. He almost saved the day for Oregon. He returned Kellen Moore's favors lighting up the Boise State defense for 210 yards 3 TDs and 1 pick, bringing the score to Boise 37 Oregon 32.
This was the first time Bellotti had lost to a WAC Team and that Boise had beaten a WAC Team on the road in their house.
Thursday this week found the Oregon State Beavers ready to make their own claim to fame this season.
They entered Reeser Stadium unranked and a huge underdog 25 point with a 1 - 2 record, hosting powerful Pac 10 Conference mate the formidable USC Trojans from Southern California.
So. Cal entered Reeser undefeated and ranked #1 in the college polls, with the expectations of being in the national title game.
However the Men From Troy had memories of visiting Reeser and the Beavers in 2006 and coming away with a loss, suffering an embarrassing upset. Could lightning strike twice?
Yes, in the form of a 5'6 198 lb red shirt freshman running back named Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran at will through the mighty Trojan defense. Rodgers ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries against a defense that was allowing 51.5 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation. Gaining more yards on the men from Troy since Vince McMahon the QB from Texas torched them for 200 yards in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
A week ago Saturday found the unranked Boise State Broncos in Autzen Stadium a 10 point underdog to the 12th ranked Oregon Ducks.
Oregon was featuring two stallion running backs and on their first scoring drive, they made the pundits look smart. They ran through the Bronco defense at will and marched the ball with a classic leap over a defender into the end zone.
Then it was Boise's turn and the red shirt freshman Kellen Moore answered the call, lighting up the Duck defense for 386 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick.
Going into the 4th quarter it was BSU 37 Ducks 23.
The Ducks burned D. Thomas's red shirt and put him at the end of the third period. He almost saved the day for Oregon. He returned Kellen Moore's favors lighting up the Boise State defense for 210 yards 3 TDs and 1 pick, bringing the score to Boise 37 Oregon 32.
This was the first time Bellotti had lost to a WAC Team and that Boise had beaten a WAC Team on the road in their house.
Thursday this week found the Oregon State Beavers ready to make their own claim to fame this season.
They entered Reeser Stadium unranked and a huge underdog 25 point with a 1 - 2 record, hosting powerful Pac 10 Conference mate the formidable USC Trojans from Southern California.
So. Cal entered Reeser undefeated and ranked #1 in the college polls, with the expectations of being in the national title game.
However the Men From Troy had memories of visiting Reeser and the Beavers in 2006 and coming away with a loss, suffering an embarrassing upset. Could lightning strike twice?
Yes, in the form of a 5'6 198 lb red shirt freshman running back named Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran at will through the mighty Trojan defense. Rodgers ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries against a defense that was allowing 51.5 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation. Gaining more yards on the men from Troy since Vince McMahon the QB from Texas torched them for 200 yards in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
Last night we saw Alabama like the Phoenix rising from the ashes of the Shula era defeat the undefeated Georgia Bull Dawgs between the hedges in Athens, Georgia.
From the opening kickoff it was apparent that Nick Saban and his crew came for blood, Bull Dawg blood and drew many pints in the early going, taking a 30 - 0 lead into the half.
The second half was a different game, seeing Georgia rally and come back, winning the second half 30 - 10 but losing the game in a thriller that ended 41 -30.
This was certainly a week of upsets, proving as in the pros on any given day, the underdog, regardless of who they play can bring home the win. Which is why college football is so exciting.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Mid Major BCS Picture.....Clear As Mud
Those of us that follow the mid majors are in for treat this season. This season offers a BCS Busters play off.
Unlike 2004 when Utah and Boise State both finished the regular season undefeated, The Utah Utes were awarded the first BCS Buster game, meeting and easily defeating Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State became the 2nd team to crash the party, going undefeated and meeting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, providing giving college football fans arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football lore.
Last season we saw a mini one game elimination round in the quest for becoming the next BCS Bowl Buster, featuring WAC Conference mates Hawaii v Boise State.
Despite having one loss earlier in the year to The Washington Huskies, the Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii, they were in and would play in a BCS Bowl in Cajun Country, the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii won and met a southern buzz saw, the Georgia Bull Dogs who handed the Hawaii Warriors their hats.
Offering the 1 loss team Boise State Broncos a chance to be a BCS Buster changes the rules to get to the Big Party.. No longer does a mid-major have to be perfect to get tote Big Dance.
Given the rule change, in week 4 we have a scenario that can end as clear as mud.
The Mountain West Conference has three undefeated BCS Bowl contenders in BYU, TCU and Utah. No way can all three conference mates end the season undefeated, however it is possible for a two way tie for the conference championship and end the season 10 – 1. Giving each team a valid claim to the BCS party, providing Boise State does not go undefeated.
Without showing bias for one team over the other, it is possible for BYU to beat TCU and lose to Utah ending the season 10 – 1. Should Utah beating BYU and losing to TCU would also be 10 – 1.
The WAC Conference has provided the last two BCS Busters with Boise State and Hawaii and could possibly supply this years entry to the BCS at large berth.
Currently Fresno State is 3 – 1 with its only loss to Big 10 Wisconsin and the Broncos are 3 – 0 coming off a big win over the 17th ranked Oregon Ducks. Since they meet regular season, it is possible for them to each finish the season 10 – 1.
Should the above scenarios take place, the Mountain West should send their rep to the BCS. The MWC this year is a better conference than the WAC having three teams in the top 25 and better quality OC wins than the WAC.
Even though I am a 40 year Boise State die hard fan, the Broncos should only make the BCS if they are undefeated and the top contenders from the Mountain West finish the season with two losses or more.
Now that we know in week 4 of the season the BCS Buster picture is as clear as mud, let the games continue and may the best team win.
Unlike 2004 when Utah and Boise State both finished the regular season undefeated, The Utah Utes were awarded the first BCS Buster game, meeting and easily defeating Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State became the 2nd team to crash the party, going undefeated and meeting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, providing giving college football fans arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football lore.
Last season we saw a mini one game elimination round in the quest for becoming the next BCS Bowl Buster, featuring WAC Conference mates Hawaii v Boise State.
Despite having one loss earlier in the year to The Washington Huskies, the Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii, they were in and would play in a BCS Bowl in Cajun Country, the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii won and met a southern buzz saw, the Georgia Bull Dogs who handed the Hawaii Warriors their hats.
Offering the 1 loss team Boise State Broncos a chance to be a BCS Buster changes the rules to get to the Big Party.. No longer does a mid-major have to be perfect to get tote Big Dance.
Given the rule change, in week 4 we have a scenario that can end as clear as mud.
The Mountain West Conference has three undefeated BCS Bowl contenders in BYU, TCU and Utah. No way can all three conference mates end the season undefeated, however it is possible for a two way tie for the conference championship and end the season 10 – 1. Giving each team a valid claim to the BCS party, providing Boise State does not go undefeated.
Without showing bias for one team over the other, it is possible for BYU to beat TCU and lose to Utah ending the season 10 – 1. Should Utah beating BYU and losing to TCU would also be 10 – 1.
The WAC Conference has provided the last two BCS Busters with Boise State and Hawaii and could possibly supply this years entry to the BCS at large berth.
Currently Fresno State is 3 – 1 with its only loss to Big 10 Wisconsin and the Broncos are 3 – 0 coming off a big win over the 17th ranked Oregon Ducks. Since they meet regular season, it is possible for them to each finish the season 10 – 1.
Should the above scenarios take place, the Mountain West should send their rep to the BCS. The MWC this year is a better conference than the WAC having three teams in the top 25 and better quality OC wins than the WAC.
Even though I am a 40 year Boise State die hard fan, the Broncos should only make the BCS if they are undefeated and the top contenders from the Mountain West finish the season with two losses or more.
Now that we know in week 4 of the season the BCS Buster picture is as clear as mud, let the games continue and may the best team win.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Football Refs Should Call The Game Not Decide The Game
Bad calls and missed calls are all part of the game. What should not be part of the game, is refs making blatantly bad calls supported by the replay booth and change the out come of the game.
This season in college ball I have seen two patently bad calls, one supported by the replay booth. One may have changed the games out come the other could have.
September 6, 2008 BYU v Washington at Huskie Stadium. Both teams fought a hard tough game, each having alot on the line for the seasoner opener.
BYU wanting a quality win over a PAC 10 team to maintain their nationa ranking and to establish their course as a BCS Buster. Washington, to get last season behind them and start off on a winning note for the home town fans while knocking off a nationaly rated team.
This was a hard fought game that went down to the wire. With just 2 seconds left on the clock, Huskie quarterback Jake Locker gets it into the end zone making the score 28 - 27 BYU. Washington now only needing the pat to send the game into overtime.
As Locker gets up, he flips the ball over his shoulder and celebrates with a team mate, he is immediatly flagged for unsportsman like conduct. Not for taunting or getting in the face of BYU players, but for flipping the ball over his shoulder.
Did this call change the complexion og the game, it had to. Instead of the usual pat, Washington was looking at a 35 yard pat.
BYU blocked the kick winning the game 28 - 27 and yet the biggest play in the game, is not Locker fighting off tacklers to score, setting the Huskies up to go into overtime. Not the fantastic push by the Cougars and blocking the extra point, perserving the win. No the biggest play of the game is the unsportsman like conduct call from the officials.
The rules are very specific and yet vague enough to allow an officials interpretation of the rules.
After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immedialty must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead ball spot.
Rule C is the part of the celebration rules that effected this call and game. According to rule C players are prohibited from throwing the ball high into the air. Very subjective, what is high in the air? According to the Washington - BYU officials tossing the ball over the shoulder meets the standard.
My opinion, bad call, Locker did not throw the ball high into the air, he simply tossed it over his shoulder and celebtrated with his team mates.
This season in college ball I have seen two patently bad calls, one supported by the replay booth. One may have changed the games out come the other could have.
September 6, 2008 BYU v Washington at Huskie Stadium. Both teams fought a hard tough game, each having alot on the line for the seasoner opener.
BYU wanting a quality win over a PAC 10 team to maintain their nationa ranking and to establish their course as a BCS Buster. Washington, to get last season behind them and start off on a winning note for the home town fans while knocking off a nationaly rated team.
This was a hard fought game that went down to the wire. With just 2 seconds left on the clock, Huskie quarterback Jake Locker gets it into the end zone making the score 28 - 27 BYU. Washington now only needing the pat to send the game into overtime.
As Locker gets up, he flips the ball over his shoulder and celebrates with a team mate, he is immediatly flagged for unsportsman like conduct. Not for taunting or getting in the face of BYU players, but for flipping the ball over his shoulder.
Did this call change the complexion og the game, it had to. Instead of the usual pat, Washington was looking at a 35 yard pat.
BYU blocked the kick winning the game 28 - 27 and yet the biggest play in the game, is not Locker fighting off tacklers to score, setting the Huskies up to go into overtime. Not the fantastic push by the Cougars and blocking the extra point, perserving the win. No the biggest play of the game is the unsportsman like conduct call from the officials.
The rules are very specific and yet vague enough to allow an officials interpretation of the rules.
After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immedialty must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead ball spot.
Rule C is the part of the celebration rules that effected this call and game. According to rule C players are prohibited from throwing the ball high into the air. Very subjective, what is high in the air? According to the Washington - BYU officials tossing the ball over the shoulder meets the standard.
My opinion, bad call, Locker did not throw the ball high into the air, he simply tossed it over his shoulder and celebtrated with his team mates.
The next call we review is the "incomplete pass" call by WAC Officials at Bull Dawg Stadium Saturday night September 13, in a game featuring Fresno State v Wisconsin.
Again it was a tight game with alot on the line for both teams. Fresno marketed the game as the biggest regular season home game in Bull Dawg history.
A win over the #10 rated Wisconsin Badgers moves #21 ranked Fresno up the polls with a qualtiy win over a Big Ten Team. Advancing their quest to be this years BCS Buster.
A Wisconsin win gives them a road win over a nationaly ranked team and a leg up in their quest to play in the NC game in January.
It was first and ten Fresno ball, they were passing it down the field down 13 - 7 with 3:22 left third quarter.
The Bull Dog QB connects with his receiver who tucks the ball away starts up filed taking two steps. Wisconsin strips the ball and recovers fumble. Pat Hill, the Fresno coach challenges the play in what is clearly a clean strip and recovery.
The replay officials overturn the call, allowing Fresno to continue its drive. Fresno settles for a frield goal making it a 13 - 10 game, which is how the game ended.
Had the Bull Dogs scored 7 the game may well have ended 14 - 13 Fresno damaging Wisconsin both in the polls and creating a similar situation like the Oklahoma Sooners v the Oregon Ducks September 16, 2006.
The setting was Eugene, Oregon's Autzen Stadium where the Oregon Ducks were trailing the Oklahoma Sooners 20 - 33 late in the 4th quarter.
Oregon mounted a drive and scored making the it a 27 - 33 game. With 1:12 left on the clock Oregon needed an onside kick followed with a miracle.
Both teams lined up for the expected onsides kick. A Duck player clearly touched the ball on the 45 yard line. One yard short of the required 10 yards the ball must travel, making it Sooners ball. Furhter more Oklahoma recovered the ball, assuring their posession and would be able to run out the clock, escaping with a win.
What happened next is unbelievable. The PAC 10 refs sent this game pivitol play up to the replay booth. The replay officials ruled Oregon's possession. the Ducks went onto score winning the game 34 - 33.
Not only did this call effect the game it changed the landscape for the national title game. Oklahoma finished the regular season 9 & 2 instead of 10 & 1 as they should have. The Oregon game cost Sooner Nation a bid for the NC game.
Missed calls will always be part of football, that is inevitable. Bad calls and hometown calls have no place in the game and can have a negative impact on more than just the game being played.
Bob Stoops and the Sooners have said they will never again travel to a PAC 10 stadium and play a game refed by PAC 10 officials. To this day they have held true to their word, denying all PAC 10 fans the chance to see the storied Sooners in their house.
WAC teams such as Fresno State have trouble getting BCS teams to visit their stadiums, last Saturdays call will only add to that challenge.
Oklahoma was a legitimate national title contender, however that loss in Oregon cost them their bid.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Miracle in Water Equals the Miracle on Ice
The place, Beijing, China, the setting , The Water Cube, the Miracle, The USA Men's 4x100 relay team, Messrs Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and the man of the hour, 32 year old Jason Lezak.
The French relay team was the heavy favorite going into the men's 4x100 freestyle relay. French swimming star Alain Bernard claimed the French would crush the Americans.
The sporting world agreed. Even former U.S. Olympic swimming great, Rowdy Gains agreed. During a tv pre race analysis he said he put it all down on paper and could not see any way possible for the U.S. to win the gold.
The French had all the momentum going into the race, they were anchored by the 100 meter freestyle world record holder, Alain Bernard. Certainly the day would belong to France.
Once the lead off racers hit the water things changed, a prelude to the event about to unfold. First to fall was Bernard's 100 free style 100 meter world record, shattered by Australia's Eamon Sullivan, who first leg time was blistering 47.24 - demolishing Bernard's world record of 47.50.
Swimming anchor was Jason Lezak, the oldest American on the team and anchor man of both the 2000 and 2004 U.S. 4x100 mens free relay team. He faced an impossible task, going against Bernard in the final leg, behind .60 10ths of a second.
At the first 50 split, Bernard set a blistering pace, swimming the fastest 50 out of the 32 racers. His efforts gave the France a .82 second lead with only 50 meters to go. As one sports writer put it, a lead even Greg Norman couldn't lose.
As Lezak made his turn, he too thought it was over and for the third straight Olympics the mens 4x100 relay team would be denied gold. Deciding to blow out his remaining energy, Lezak pulled as close as he could to Bernard's lane, drafting off his wake for 25 meters, inching ever closer.
The final 25 meters saw Lezack churning through the water for everything he was worth, turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history, 46.06. Good enough to out touch Bernard and the French by the tip of a finger.
Does this upset win equal that of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team over the Russians? According to Bernard's team mate, Amaury Leveaux, no it doesn't. A fingertip did the victory,” said Amaury Leveaux, one of the French swimmers. “It is nothing.” Mr. Leveaux does that mean the Eiffel Tower is just a "means nothing" pile of beams, girders and bolts?
Does this American victory deserve to rank next to Olympic upsets like the 1980 Miracle On Ice?
Lets review. The opening leg saw a new world individual record for the 100 meter free style set by Australia's Eamon Sullivan. Five of the teams entered in the 4x100 free style relay broke the existing world record set earlier in the week by the American B Team.
Thirty two year old Jason Lezak makes up a half body length and a .82 seconds deficit in the final 50 meters turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history of 46.06, besting Sullivan's new world record of 47.24 and out touching the French by 8 one hundreds of a second.
Not only did 5 teams beat the previous world record, the Americans beat it by an astonishing 3.99 seconds.
It is this writers opinion that the event itself is now an Olympic legend and the winning U.S.A. Team has earned its rightful place in both Olympic and American folklore right next to United States Olympic Hockey Team of 1980.
Only the lead off swimmers times can be new world records for individual events.
The French relay team was the heavy favorite going into the men's 4x100 freestyle relay. French swimming star Alain Bernard claimed the French would crush the Americans.
The sporting world agreed. Even former U.S. Olympic swimming great, Rowdy Gains agreed. During a tv pre race analysis he said he put it all down on paper and could not see any way possible for the U.S. to win the gold.
The French had all the momentum going into the race, they were anchored by the 100 meter freestyle world record holder, Alain Bernard. Certainly the day would belong to France.
Once the lead off racers hit the water things changed, a prelude to the event about to unfold. First to fall was Bernard's 100 free style 100 meter world record, shattered by Australia's Eamon Sullivan, who first leg time was blistering 47.24 - demolishing Bernard's world record of 47.50.
Swimming anchor was Jason Lezak, the oldest American on the team and anchor man of both the 2000 and 2004 U.S. 4x100 mens free relay team. He faced an impossible task, going against Bernard in the final leg, behind .60 10ths of a second.
At the first 50 split, Bernard set a blistering pace, swimming the fastest 50 out of the 32 racers. His efforts gave the France a .82 second lead with only 50 meters to go. As one sports writer put it, a lead even Greg Norman couldn't lose.
As Lezak made his turn, he too thought it was over and for the third straight Olympics the mens 4x100 relay team would be denied gold. Deciding to blow out his remaining energy, Lezak pulled as close as he could to Bernard's lane, drafting off his wake for 25 meters, inching ever closer.
The final 25 meters saw Lezack churning through the water for everything he was worth, turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history, 46.06. Good enough to out touch Bernard and the French by the tip of a finger.
Does this upset win equal that of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team over the Russians? According to Bernard's team mate, Amaury Leveaux, no it doesn't. A fingertip did the victory,” said Amaury Leveaux, one of the French swimmers. “It is nothing.” Mr. Leveaux does that mean the Eiffel Tower is just a "means nothing" pile of beams, girders and bolts?
Does this American victory deserve to rank next to Olympic upsets like the 1980 Miracle On Ice?
Lets review. The opening leg saw a new world individual record for the 100 meter free style set by Australia's Eamon Sullivan. Five of the teams entered in the 4x100 free style relay broke the existing world record set earlier in the week by the American B Team.
Thirty two year old Jason Lezak makes up a half body length and a .82 seconds deficit in the final 50 meters turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history of 46.06, besting Sullivan's new world record of 47.24 and out touching the French by 8 one hundreds of a second.
Not only did 5 teams beat the previous world record, the Americans beat it by an astonishing 3.99 seconds.
It is this writers opinion that the event itself is now an Olympic legend and the winning U.S.A. Team has earned its rightful place in both Olympic and American folklore right next to United States Olympic Hockey Team of 1980.
Only the lead off swimmers times can be new world records for individual events.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What Was Brett Favre Thinking?
The Brett Favre Green Bay Packer story continues to unfold taking a new twist. begging the question, Brett what were you thinking?
As you recall Green Bay has filed a complaint with the NFL accusing the Minnesota Vikings of having inappropriate talks with Brett Favre.
The inside sources thought proving these charges would be an uphill battle almost impossible to prove. Green Bay would need a smoking gun.
I now appears The Pack may very well have that smoking gun, a Green Bay cell phone issued to none other than Brett Favre.
According to inside sources the phone records report repeated calls from Brett to head coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Brett what were you thinking? This is James Bond 101, get a non traceable disposable cell phone. You can afford it, you are rich.
These cell phone records take me back, circa 1970's to former President Richard Nixon and Water Gate.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune Reports
July 22nd, 2008 – 2:05 PM by Judd Zulgad
As we await the NFL’s decision on the tampering charges filed by the Packers against the Vikings for “inappropriate dialogue” with Brett Favre, Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had an interesting bit of information in a piece he wrote about the quarterback today.
McGinn writes that a source said Favre had continued to use a Packers-issued cell phone and that when the team checked the phone records it found “repeated calls to coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.”
The possibility of Favre having used a phone issued by the Packers had been speculated on last week after the Associated Press reported that Green Bay informed the NFL it felt “an investigation of the phone records would show more than ‘normal contact’ between the Vikings and Favre, even before he formally asked for his release to play for another team.”
Bevell served as Favre’s quarterbacks coach in Green Bay from 2003-05 and the two have remained close. That relationship made it difficult to believe the Packers could prove much by simply pointing to conversations between Bevell and Favre. However, if Favre’s phone records also point to conversations with Childress that could be a different story.
The Vikings have remained mostly quiet on this subject since news broke nearly a week ago that tampering charges had been filed. Minnesota issued a statement last Thursday, saying the Vikings “are not commenting on this issue. These types of matters are handled by the league.”
The Vikings, if found guilty, could face penalties that include loss of draft picks and/or fines.
Should all these new issues prove out, sadly a great quarterback's legacy will be tarnished.
The Vikings will be found guilty of stupidity. Remember the 49ers were found guilty of the same thing and fines aside had to surrender draft choices to the Chicago Bears in this springs draft.
Hopefully we will see Brett back in uniform, any uniform gracing America's gridirons, doing what he does best, playing football and torching the defense.
As you recall Green Bay has filed a complaint with the NFL accusing the Minnesota Vikings of having inappropriate talks with Brett Favre.
The inside sources thought proving these charges would be an uphill battle almost impossible to prove. Green Bay would need a smoking gun.
I now appears The Pack may very well have that smoking gun, a Green Bay cell phone issued to none other than Brett Favre.
According to inside sources the phone records report repeated calls from Brett to head coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Brett what were you thinking? This is James Bond 101, get a non traceable disposable cell phone. You can afford it, you are rich.
These cell phone records take me back, circa 1970's to former President Richard Nixon and Water Gate.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune Reports
July 22nd, 2008 – 2:05 PM by Judd Zulgad
As we await the NFL’s decision on the tampering charges filed by the Packers against the Vikings for “inappropriate dialogue” with Brett Favre, Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had an interesting bit of information in a piece he wrote about the quarterback today.
McGinn writes that a source said Favre had continued to use a Packers-issued cell phone and that when the team checked the phone records it found “repeated calls to coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.”
The possibility of Favre having used a phone issued by the Packers had been speculated on last week after the Associated Press reported that Green Bay informed the NFL it felt “an investigation of the phone records would show more than ‘normal contact’ between the Vikings and Favre, even before he formally asked for his release to play for another team.”
Bevell served as Favre’s quarterbacks coach in Green Bay from 2003-05 and the two have remained close. That relationship made it difficult to believe the Packers could prove much by simply pointing to conversations between Bevell and Favre. However, if Favre’s phone records also point to conversations with Childress that could be a different story.
The Vikings have remained mostly quiet on this subject since news broke nearly a week ago that tampering charges had been filed. Minnesota issued a statement last Thursday, saying the Vikings “are not commenting on this issue. These types of matters are handled by the league.”
The Vikings, if found guilty, could face penalties that include loss of draft picks and/or fines.
Should all these new issues prove out, sadly a great quarterback's legacy will be tarnished.
The Vikings will be found guilty of stupidity. Remember the 49ers were found guilty of the same thing and fines aside had to surrender draft choices to the Chicago Bears in this springs draft.
Hopefully we will see Brett back in uniform, any uniform gracing America's gridirons, doing what he does best, playing football and torching the defense.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Continuing Saga: As the Packers $ Favre Turn
Last summer we had the shameful saga of Micheal Vick and his dog fighting.
This summer we have Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers saga. Far more entertaining and thank God no cruelty to animals.
The latest twist has Packers management allegedly filing a complaint to the NFL against non other than arch rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Alleging that the Vikings have had illegal contact with Favre.
Naturally the Vikings are saying no comment regarding the allegations that they have had inappropriate contact with Brett Favre during this 3 month period that Favre has attempted to return to pro football.
At the heart of this newest installment of the Favre - packer drama is an unamed source who claims to be close to the Packer organization and familiar with the alleged filed complaint.
The undisclosed source informed The Associated Press Weds. night that The Packers had filed the complaint against the Vikings for tampering.
The source supposedly went on to say The Packers suspect the inappropriate discussions took place between Favre and Viking offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
I love these unnamed sources, reminds me of the Watergate Days with " Deep Throat. "
Favre and Bevell have been long time friends, dating back to Bevell's days as an assistant at Green Bay.
The Pack believes Favre's sudden request for release supports their theory of Bevell and The Vikes having some sort of deal in place with Brett.
It is now being claimed that The Pack has requested a league investigation and that a check of the phone records will support their claims.
Phone records alone, probably would not prove the allegations. However the NFL has been more diligent in these kind of issues.
The San Francisco 49ers were disciplined for just such an infraction. Forced to give up their 5th round draft pick and trade 3rd third rounders with the Chicago Bears in the April draft.
The continuing soap opera of Brett and The Packers drags on, giving no evidence it will be resolved before the start of the 2008 season
This summer we have Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers saga. Far more entertaining and thank God no cruelty to animals.
The latest twist has Packers management allegedly filing a complaint to the NFL against non other than arch rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Alleging that the Vikings have had illegal contact with Favre.
Naturally the Vikings are saying no comment regarding the allegations that they have had inappropriate contact with Brett Favre during this 3 month period that Favre has attempted to return to pro football.
At the heart of this newest installment of the Favre - packer drama is an unamed source who claims to be close to the Packer organization and familiar with the alleged filed complaint.
The undisclosed source informed The Associated Press Weds. night that The Packers had filed the complaint against the Vikings for tampering.
The source supposedly went on to say The Packers suspect the inappropriate discussions took place between Favre and Viking offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
I love these unnamed sources, reminds me of the Watergate Days with " Deep Throat. "
Favre and Bevell have been long time friends, dating back to Bevell's days as an assistant at Green Bay.
The Pack believes Favre's sudden request for release supports their theory of Bevell and The Vikes having some sort of deal in place with Brett.
It is now being claimed that The Pack has requested a league investigation and that a check of the phone records will support their claims.
Phone records alone, probably would not prove the allegations. However the NFL has been more diligent in these kind of issues.
The San Francisco 49ers were disciplined for just such an infraction. Forced to give up their 5th round draft pick and trade 3rd third rounders with the Chicago Bears in the April draft.
The continuing soap opera of Brett and The Packers drags on, giving no evidence it will be resolved before the start of the 2008 season
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