Harvey Robb: December 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Americans Abroad: Aston Villa's Eric Lichaj Contains Gareth Bale

Filed under: European Soccer, English Premier League, U.S. Men's National Team

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Aston Villa right back Eric Lichaj may only have two English Premier League starts to his name, but the 21-year-old U.S. international is already making a name for himself across the pond.

Two weeks after making his league debut, Lichaj on Sunday was assigned to mark Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale, a rising star who's handled his fair share of veteran defenders this season.

Spurs was a man short for more than an hour and still managed a 2-1 victory at Villa Park, but Lichaj turned in a performance that could go a long way toward earning him a regular place in the starting 11, holding his own against the crafty Welshman.

Barry, recently named the Premier League player of the half-season by The Guardian, found scant space to operate on Lichaj's watch. In fact, he set up Rafael van der Vaart's second tally shortly after switching to the right flank and escaping Lichaj's domain.

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Must-See TV: Rovell on Franchises

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Michael Vick is finding support all over the place

Not even the most optimistic Michael Vick fan on the planet could've seen this coming at the beginning of the year: Vick currently leads all NFL players in Pro Bowl voting.

He's earned the votes with his sparkling play on the field, but consider where Vick was just a few months ago: a clear back-up to Kevin Kolb, coming off a season where he played sparingly and ineffectively, and still -- or so I thought -- widely reviled for his role in a dogfighting operation.

Now, here he is, thumping Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the NFL's official popularity contest.

Even the judge who put him away in 2007 is showing love for Vick. From Rosalind S. Helderman at the Washington Post (via PFT):

"He's an example of how the system can work," said U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson, an aggressive former prosecutor who surprised no one who knew him when he sentenced Vick to a 23-month term in 2007.
"He's having a terrific season," Hudson said in an interview. "I'm very happy for him. I wish him the best of success."

I know that not everyone is ready to forgive Vick -- in fact, many of them are about to call me terrible names via email -- but clearly, a lot of people are. Judge Hudson was pretty stern with Vick three years ago, and if he can find the compassion to forgive Vick, then most other people probably can, too.

Whether you're among the forgivers or not, the magnitude of Vick's comeback is undeniable. For him to come back even better than he was before, and to be wildly popular on top of that? They make Disney movies about that kind of thing. For the sake of Goofy and Pluto, I hope they don't, but they could.

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Eric Lichaj Singled Out by Aston Villa Coach Following Heavy Loss

Filed under: English Premier League, U.S. Men's National Team

Recent U.S. national team debutant and Aston Villa right back Eric Lichaj has had a rollercoaster week, to say the least.

The 22-year-old Chicagoland native earned widespread praise for his performance on Monday, when he gamely bottled up dynamic Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale. Villa lost, 2-1, but Lichaj was an obvious bright spot in what was just his second English Premier League start.

But when the Villans were on the losing end again Wednesday, this time by a 4-0 count at Manchester City that dropped the club to 5-9-5, manager Gérard Houllier ensured that Lichaj would again be the subject of post-match conversation. He singled out his young defender, saying he had a "nightmare" of a game.

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Serendipity in Fan Allegiance

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Video: Falcons center's miserable shotgun snap

To call this play from "Monday Night Football" a bad snap would be to suggest that the ball was snapped at all. It came courtesy Todd McClure of the Atlanta Falcons, who was trying to get the ball to Matt Ryan. If the Falcons quarterback was lined up in the shotgun, the snap was a .22.

It's like he intentionally left the ball in the center of the field, like a referee in a water polo match or Terrell Owens that time he slammed the ball on the Dallas star. It wasn't a snap so much as it was a dribble.

McClure later talked about it to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"The nose of the ball got caught on the turf. [...] I feel just awful about it. That has never happened to me before and of all the games for it to happen ... I put the team in a terrible position. I just felt awful. A terrible feeling."

The center shouldn't beat himself up too badly. The snap was awful and led to a New Orleans touchdown, but Atlanta took the lead later in the game, so it's not as if the mistake sunk the Falcons chances for good.

McClure is a 12-year veteran. These things happen sometimes. It wasn't a mental error or a bad decision or a poor coverage, it was an unfortunate accident. The ball held up. It's probably a mistake he hasn't made since middle school football.

Atlanta can still win the NFC South and clinch home-field advantage with a win on Sunday over the Carolina Panthers, the team with the worst record in the NFL.

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Saints celebrate their win by standing on the Falcon's face

After the Saints scratched out a victory against the Falcons in the Georgia Dome Monday night, a few of them returned to the field to put a little exclamation point on it.

Jonathan Vilma and a few other defensive players went out to celebrate on the big Falcon painted at midfield, Terrell Owens-on-the-star style. From nola.com:

When it was over, several Saints defensive players came back onto the field to pose for group pictures, gleefully celebrated on the Falcons' home field, while a small group of Saints fans cheered from the stands.
"We didn't want to wait until next week to clinch the playoffs," Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma said. "We wanted a remembrance of this. That's why we went out and had our picture taken on the Falcon."

[Rewind: Player fined for flashing TD message on shirt]

A classy move? Probably not. Will the Falcons like it? I doubt it (and we know that Roddy White has a tendency to take things personally). And it does feel a little beneath the defending world champions. Less than a year ago, you were dancing with the Lombardi Trophy, and now, you need to celebrate on someone else's logo?

You're the champs. You should expect to beat the Falcons.

[Rewind: Michael Vick calls out team for unsportsmanlike behavior]

But in the end, it's just a picture. They stood on painted turf and smiled. It's just one of those things that might add a little extra hot sauce to an already-heated rivalry. No more, no less.

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NBA's New Jersey Nets to play Toronto Raptors in London

? Regular-season games will be played on 4 and 5 March
? NBA looking to expand ahead of 2012 London Games

The NBA announced plans today for its first competitive matches in England when the New Jersey Nets will play Toronto Raptors on 4 and 5 March as the league seeks to expand professional basketball globally ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

David Stern, the NBA commissioner, said: "To me this is the next step in the progression leading up to the London Olympics, which for us presents an extraordinary opportunity for the continued growth of basketball in Europe and in the UK.

"We consider the UK to be an important market in the NBA's global development. By bringing these two exciting teams to London we are fulfilling our commitment to schedule a regular-season game in the UK prior to the 2012 Olympics ? a natural progression given the overwhelming response to the many [exhibition matches] we have played to sold-out crowds over the years."

Stern also claimed that basketball could yet grow markedly in popularity here. "I think that there's a good possibility that basketball will assume a role that folks in the United Kingdom might never have anticipated. With the Raptors and the Nets [they] are going to have players who might possibly, not certainly, be playing for France, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Lithuania. This is going to demonstrate to us ? based upon the rosters of these two teams as they may even be modified further going into these [Olympic] Games ? the global representation in the sport."

Stern was less clear about whether competitive matches would be played annually in the capital. "Right now I'm not looking much further than March."

Jamie Jackson

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Video: Tim Gleason's controversial ejection after hit on Perreault

That's Caps forward Mathieu Perreault after the Washington Capitals' 3-2 victory at the Carolina Hurricanes, showing the damage after a Tim Gleason hit ended both of their evenings on Sunday.

From the News & Observer:

While the Hurricanes outskated and outshot the Caps in the opening period, Perreault gave Washington (21-12-5) a 1-0 lead at 13:33. Taking a centering pass from the left corner from Alexander Semin, Perreault beat goalie Cam Ward with a short shot.
A little more than five minutes later, Perreault was flat on the ice, bleeding profusely. Replays of the collision showed Gleason did not leave his feet or raise his elbow. In fact, it appeared Perreault may have cut himself after shattering his stick and visor. "I didn't care for it at all," Canes coach Paul Maurice said of the call. "We lost our No. 1 defenseman. That's where the game turned."
While Perreault lie prone, Gleason was hit by the Caps' Matt Hendricks and pummeled Hendricks behind the Carolina net. Hendricks, in turn, was penalized two minutes for roughing.

Gleason, meanwhile, was given five minutes for charging and a game misconduct. Here's the hit, from multiple angles (stick-tap to Keith O. for the clip):

Capitals writer Mike Vogel tweeted that Perreault, who did not return, "put his stick up to defend the hit, combo of hit and his stick snapping in half also snapped his shield in half."

Clean hit. Gleason wasn't going for the head, wasn't trying to step in front of him in some kind of blindside effort, didn't leave his feet. Another unfortunate circumstance in which officials penalize to the aftermath rather than the action, and the Canes lose their heart-and-soul defenseman at 18:54 of the first.

Meanwhile ... yes, it's honorable retribution for a fallen teammate; but Hendricks doesn't get a fighting major and/or an instigator penalty how, exactly?

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This Week's Links (5/24-5/28)

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

DeSean Jackson's punt return TD could have been called back

DeSean Jackson's goal-line grandstanding could have caused his miraculous game-winning punt return to be wiped out, a review of FOX replays show.

As the Philadelphia Eagles return man was running parallel to the end zone, delaying his touchdown for maximum showboating effectiveness, a number of his teammates ran onto the field from the sideline, a clear violation of the NFL's "too many men on the field" rules.

The new wrinkle on Jackson's return was first noticed at BallHyped.com. Because he took a turn at the 6-yard line instead of running into the end zone, a number of his teammates and some coaches spilled out onto the field in anticipation of his touchdown, which didn't come until a few seconds later. A flag could have been thrown, bringing back the touchdown and sending the game to overtime.

Now, I don't think any flag should have been thrown on the play. The players weren't on the field before the snap nor during the runback. Their on-field exuberance had no effect on Jackson's touchdown. Sometimes officials need to look the other way, like a foul at the end of a basketball game. However, as BallHyped points out, this play came during the same week that the NFL made a huge deal about sideline behavior during punt returns, thanks to the dirty play of Jets strength coach Sal Alosi.

In a memo to each of the league's 32 teams after Alosi's trip of Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll, it was stated that only coaches and substitution players are allowed within six feet of the back sideline stripe. As the picture above clearly shows, the Eagles have far more than that on the field, let alone behind the markings.

One week ago, you could have excused this because pushing out onto the field was a rule with loose enforcement, like jaywalking, illegal downloading or traveling in the NBA. Plus, Tom Coughlin was evidently on the field too, yelling at his punter. But the NFL can't enforce rules when it's convenient. This isn't like jaywalking because the NFL turned it into a much larger offense. True, the Eagles coming out wasn't a big deal in this game, but it may be in the future.

[Rewind: Obscure violation costs golfer chance at major title]

As for Jackson, you get the sense that Andy Reid allows his antics because he's such a great talent. But Jackson has shown in the past that his tendancy to hot dog isn't harmless. It can be a big deal. He almost got caught from behind on this play and could have had a penalty called on his team because he delayed scoring.

The theatricality of Jackson's celebrations are good for the NFL. The league needs more brash stars who have fun on the field and get opposing fans riled up with touchdown celebrations. Andy Reid doesn't. He needs to win. That's why he should tell his young star to tone it down ... at least until he gets into the end zone.

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Video: Qualcomm Stadium ?flooded to the first row'

So, if you were a San Diego resident, and you had tickets to Thursday's Poinsettia Bowl between Navy and San Diego State, would you want to attend the game in a stadium that looks like this?

The rain in Spain may fall mainly on the plain, but in San Diego, it tends to flood the local football stadium at a very bad time. The recent rainstorms in San Diego County have closed Sea World, caused traffic and power-outage nightmares, and stopped Amtrak service because of soil erosion (boy, there's a term you never want to hear when discussing a train route) near the Sorrento Valley.

You would think that with all this going on, there's no way the NCAA would want to play a game under these conditions. But then, you remember that this is a governing body which crowns its annual champion with a blindfold and a dartboard, and you realize ... of course, they'd want to keep the game going! Who needs silly little things like a reliable field, the ability to actually get to the game, or any kind of safety provisions? After all, one of the teams is Navy; maybe they can bring a few submarines if the drives get too difficult to maintain by the fourth quarter!

Officials say that there are pumps going 24/7, and there will be no problem playing the game. They've even tried to reassure people via Twitter, but based on the video evidence, this looks a lot like Kevin Bacon screaming, "Remain calm! All is well!" before he gets trampled by a frantic mob during the parade scene in "Animal House."

"The field will be ready," said Poinsettia Bowl executive director Bruce Binkowski. "The ground crew will be working all night long. There might be a few soft spots where water sunk in, but the field will be ready."

Of course, Binkowski also advised fans to arrive early at the stadium via trolley ... because the stadium parking lot is flooded, too!

A spokesperson for San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders said on Wednesday that there's still a chance the stadium won't be ready in time, but that depends on how much more rainfall the area may still receive. It's just as nutty as it sounds, and the only surprise is that they haven't contracted Vince, the Shamwow guy, to take care of the cleanup.

The Poinsettia Bowl is scheduled to go off at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Any bets on whether that actually happens?

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Saints celebrate their win by standing on the Falcon's face

After the Saints scratched out a victory against the Falcons in the Georgia Dome Monday night, a few of them returned to the field to put a little exclamation point on it.

Jonathan Vilma and a few other defensive players went out to celebrate on the big Falcon painted at midfield, Terrell Owens-on-the-star style. From nola.com:

When it was over, several Saints defensive players came back onto the field to pose for group pictures, gleefully celebrated on the Falcons' home field, while a small group of Saints fans cheered from the stands.
"We didn't want to wait until next week to clinch the playoffs," Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma said. "We wanted a remembrance of this. That's why we went out and had our picture taken on the Falcon."

[Rewind: Player fined for flashing TD message on shirt]

You're the champs. You should expect to beat the Falcons.

[Rewind: Michael Vick calls out team for unsportsmanlike behavior]

But in the end, it's just a picture. They stood on painted turf and smiled. It's just one of those things that might add a little extra hot sauce to an already-heated rivalry. No more, no less.

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Khloe Kardashian Gets Spinoff Reality Show, Ray Chew is New 'American Idol' Music Director and More

Filed under: TV News

It was only a matter of time: Khloe Kardashian, of the royal reality Kardashian family, is reportedly getting her own series with husband Lamar Odom.

According to Us Weekly, the Kardashian sister's new series will shoot in the spring. Think 'Bethenny Getting Married?' a source told the magazine. "They're so cute, playing off one another," the source said.

Besides E!'s 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,' Khloe has appeared on another spinoff, 'Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,' and NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice.' Khloe, along with her sisters, also appeared on the season 3 premiere of The CW's '90210.'

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian will appear in 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York,' a spinoff series that follows the sisters launching a New York location of their D-A-S-H boutique, co-owned by Khloe as well.

In other TV news ...

o. Ray Chew has been hired by 'American Idol.' Chew, a veteran of 'It's Showtime at the Apollo' and 'The Singing Bee' replaces Rickey Minor. Minor is now bandleader of 'The Tonight Show.' [Hollywood Reporter]

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2010 Totals Contest Update: September 23

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College Football Recruiting 2011: The Top Commitments From December

December was a busy month of college football recruiting. Many top prospects came off the market, from 5-star receiver George Farmer to 5-star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

For all the action from the month be sure to check out the December Commitment Tracker.

But if you're just looking for the juice, here's the top 10 commitments of the month.

Begin Slideshow

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Video: NFL official throws flag 30 yards into quarterback's face

On the first day of Christmas, my back judge gave to me, a yellow flag thrown right at me.

Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Stephen McGee was hit in the face by a flag launched by the back judge during Dallas' 27-26 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas night. The flag was thrown on Arizona for illegal contact and happened to land right in McGee's facemask:

The backup, who came in the game after Jon Kitna went out with a hip injury, wasn't hurt by the errant toss and would go on to lead Dallas to a go-ahead touchdown. But a subsequent missed extra point allowed the Cardinals to drive down the field for the win afterward.

That was a pretty amazing toss by the back judge, Steve Freeman. He was standing about 30 yards from McGee when the flag was thrown, making his toss just as good as any one thrown by Jon Kitna.

[Rewind video: Favre suffers brutal head injury]

But, as my grandmother used to say, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye. McGee was fortunate to walk away with just a good story, because it was 11 years ago that another player, Orlando Brown, suffered severe eye damage when a flag hit him in the eye. (Coincidentally, that flag was thrown by the ref who worked Saturday night's game, Jeff Triplette.) Since then, most officials have stopped using BBs to weight down flags. It's likely that Freeman's flag had sand, or some material like it, weighting it down so it could be launched 30 yards downfield.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
• Video: The worst dropped pass of the NFL season?
• Massive blizzard postpones NFL game
• NFL player catches fire during game -- literally

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Mike Singletary and Troy Smith don't look happy with each other

Troy got the nod over Alex in this week's Smith vs. Smith 49ers quarterback drama. That doesn't mean he's Mike Singletary's favorite person, though.

Check out this fiery encounter between the two from Sunday's loss to the Rams.

Whether or not the above exchange was positive or negative for the 49ers, it's not good for Singletary. When you get in shouting matches with a player and then they perform, you're a stern, commanding general. When you're in a shouting match and a player doesn't perform, you're losing control of your team. That's the perception, and for a coach's employment status, that's everything.

Here's how Singletary addressed the exchange after the game:

"I put it like this. Troy's a passionate guy. The way he responded is fine. He's frustrated, I'm frustrated. We're both trying to get something to happen on the field."
"I don't really know about coaching etiquette. I'm sure there's a right way and there's a wrong way, and in today's life there are many different rules for being politically correct. All I know is, I was trying to win a football game."

For the record, I don't think anything that happened there was bad for the 49ers (aside from the interception, of course). It's an emotional game, and emotional things happen. I don't think any relationships were fractured there.

By the way, what exactly is Ted Ginn trying to accomplish? I'm pretty sure the words "Walk by and repeatedly shove a towel in an angry man's face" don't appear in any respected manuals on conflict resolution.

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Finnegan has no interest in retaliation against Johnson

The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans renew acquaintances this Sunday, which means that Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan will once again be lined up opposite each other.

The last time that happened, the exchange was, well, less than friendly. They savagely punched each other in the face (or at least, Johnson punched Finnegan in the face).

Finnegan, taking the high road, said Wednesday that he's not interested in any payback on Johnson, and he harbors no hard feelings. From Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean:

"Regardless if I'm right or wrong," he said, "I am going to apologize to get this off my heart.''
[...]
"I am more concerned about us winning a football game than anything right now. We haven't done that in awhile, and that is one thing we need to get back to doing. Retaliation is for the birds.''

I'm glad to see that attitude. Both guys are professionals and I'm sure they were both embarrassed by what happened last time out. Let the past be the past, and be better people in the future. I salute you, gentlemen.

Now, the skeptic might be thinking, "Of course Finnegan doesn't want to fight again! He took an old-school beating last time. He doesn't want another piece of Andre Johnson."

I don't think that's what's happening here. I think both guys have learned that a fight benefits no one, and both just want to move on and play football. Expect fist pounds and hugs on Sunday.

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What Did You Think of 'No Easy Decision,' MTV's Abortion Special?

Filed under: Features, Recaps, TV News

Last night, MTV aired a half-hour, commercial-free special called 'No Easy Decision,' which chronicled former '16 and Pregnant' subject Markai as she weighed her options after becoming pregnant for a second time -- keep the child, put the baby up for adoption, or have an abortion -- and ultimately decided to terminate the pregnancy.

The first 20 minutes of the special followed Markai as she talked her options over with her boyfriend, James, got information from a clinic on the different types of procedures available, and finally chose to end the pregnancy. A short chat with Dr. Drew followed, then a discussion with two other women who talked about why they chose abortion.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sterger's lawyer isn't thrilled with the NFL's decision on Favre

Brett Favre is $50,000 poorer for not cooperating with the NFL in its investigation of inappropriate text messages and photos he allegedly sent to Jenn Sterger in 2008.

No suspension will accompany the fine, which is meager by NFL standards. As a result, there are those who will think that Favre is getting off easy. Agreeing with that sentiment, unsurprisingly, is Sterger's lawyer.

Here's part of a press release he sent out to the media Wednesday, via Pro Football Talk:

“My client and I are extremely disappointed, but not surprised, at today’s NFL announcement that Brett Favre did not violate the NFL ‘workplace conduct’ policy. While I am not privy to how Mr. Goodell reached such a finding, we strongly disagree with his conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support a violation of the policy. To the contrary, our evidence and the personal testimony of Ms. Sterger clearly showed a pattern of lewd and offensive behavior by Mr. Favre that lasted all of the 2008 season.
“As noted in the NFL’s release, ‘there was no evidence to suggest that Sterger engaged in any inappropriate conduct.’ In addition to the offensive messages, there was ample evidence to show that the sexually explicit photographs were part of Favre’s inappropriate behavior. Our evidence clearly showed that the photos were sent by Favre.
[...]
“Furthermore, the fact that the League took the step of fining Favre for ‘not being candid in several respects during the investigation’ is disturbing in the message it sends. It clearly shows that an NFL star player was given preferential treatment and tells all other players that failure to cooperate may cost you some money but will not result in other punishment. Additionally, today’s decision is an affront to all females and shows once again that, despite tough talk, the NFL remains the good old boys’ league.”

It's not a huge surprise that he feels that way, and it's not difficult to see where he's coming from. The investigation took forever and ended with a whimper. The NFL skated out of making any kind of judgment on Favre's behavior at all, and instead hit him with a small fine for "not cooperating."

I'm not ready to go bananas on the NFL like the lawyer, but I would like more of an explanation from the league. I'd like to know why the investigation took so long, how they determined that Favre did or did not send the pictures, and how exactly he was uncooperative. We've been given no information on what they found, what they didn't find, or how they even went about it.

It seems unlikely that any such explanation is coming, though, which makes it hard not to believe that Favre is being protected by the league.

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Landon Donovan Named US Soccer Athlete of the Year

Filed under: MLS, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, WPS, Los Angeles Galaxy, Seattle Sounders FC

It's hard to believe that just six months ago, many were wondering if Landon Donovan would crumble under the pressure of another World Cup.

Instead, he flourished, scoring three goals and leading the U.S. national team to the top spot in a first-round group for the first time in 80 years. For that performance, as well as his leadership on a Los Angeles Galaxy team that won the MLS Supporters Shield, Donovan was named the U.S. Soccer Federation's male athlete of the year on Monday.

Launched in 1984, the award is voted on by fans, journalists and VIPs connected with U.S. Soccer. Donovan also won the honor in 2003, 2004 and 2009. Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Donovan were the only men to have won it three times.

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NFL Playoff Scenarios: Does It Pay For Bears to Play Spoilers?

NFL Playoff Scenarios: It is becoming quite evident that the Bears intend on playing their hearts out on Sunday. That would counter what other NFL teams that have clinched a playoff spot are doing. They are tasked with taking on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau.

So far, Lovie Smith has inferred that the Bears are going for a win. The starters will be playing in order to maintain chemistry and counter any rust from setting in during their wild card bye week. This may be an interesting ploy. But it could also backfire immensely.

Lambeau Field will be frozen solid. Now imagine how many time Jay Cutler will be put to the pavement with a very inconsistent offensive line protecting him. The Bears may get the win and stay hot for the post season, but a concussion to Jay Cutler could derail as season they worked so hard to put together.

The smart money would be to play the starters for a half. That is what most elite contenders are doing going into week 17. The Bears may side step a potential land mine if they did the same.

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Jersey Fouls Special: Attack of the Crosby/Green Frankenjerseys!

Jersey Fouls is our ongoing exploration of the rules and etiquette for proper hockey jersey creation and exhibition. If you spot what you think may be a foul in your arena, email a photo to us at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com for inclusion in future installment.

Sometimes, a dude in some backwater town spots a UFO and is the only one to document the strange lights with a shaky VHS camera he's had in his shed since 1992. Other times, the unidentified object is seen by dozens, maybe hundreds of people in a larger metropolitan area, as they flood police with reports of OMG AM I CRAZY OR DID YOU SEE THAT TOO?

The Sidney Crosby/Mike Green Frankenjersey falls into the latter category.

We began to hear reports of its existence in the press box of Verizon Center last night, eventually seeing photographic evidence to validate the sighting. As the night continued, more and more images arrived in the Puck Daddy Inbox. This was no swamp gas! This was a Pittsburgh Penguins/Washington Capitals Jersey Foul for the ages!

Not only that, but there were two different Frankenjerseys, both with Winter Classic patches. The first one was sort of clever if you think about it: The '5' from Mike Green, the '7' from Sidney Crosby ... a '57' for Heinz Field. Ho ho ho.

But then the remnants were turned into a companion jersey, as Puck Buddy JW explains:

Yeah, that's half Crosby half Green, with the Winter Classic logo nicely centered between them. Her male friend was wearing the fraternal-twin "57" jersey. What really honked us off, though, was the "Washington Capitals Fan Club" tote bag she was wearing with it. This is why many of us hate the WCFC.

Ouch. So we suspect this is a Winter Classic Tribute Jersey, which is a FAIL because neither of the sweaters are actually from the Winter Classic.

But is it something more? Is this a noble attempt to bridge the divide between the warring factions? To bring two of the most well-mocked players in the rivalry into harmony? To show the beauty of the two logos comingling in ...

... ah, screw it. It's cold, there are plenty of homeless in D.C. and these jerseys would start a great garbage can fire.

Thanks to JW, Erick P. and Christina Y for the images.

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Finnegan has no interest in retaliation against Johnson

The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans renew acquaintances this Sunday, which means that Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan will once again be lined up opposite each other.

The last time that happened, the exchange was, well, less than friendly. They savagely punched each other in the face (or at least, Johnson punched Finnegan in the face).

Finnegan, taking the high road, said Wednesday that he's not interested in any payback on Johnson, and he harbors no hard feelings. From Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean:

"Regardless if I'm right or wrong," he said, "I am going to apologize to get this off my heart.''
[...]
"I am more concerned about us winning a football game than anything right now. We haven't done that in awhile, and that is one thing we need to get back to doing. Retaliation is for the birds.''

Now, the skeptic might be thinking, "Of course Finnegan doesn't want to fight again! He took an old-school beating last time. He doesn't want another piece of Andre Johnson."

I don't think that's what's happening here. I think both guys have learned that a fight benefits no one, and both just want to move on and play football. Expect fist pounds and hugs on Sunday.

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Bourne Blog: When your team sucks, only answer is self-deprecation

I wasn't always a big fan of the New York Islanders, despite my affiliation to the team. Something about it seemed ... weird.

For one, I had pro aspirations. To fawn over any group of players seemed odd, given that at some point, I hoped to be slashing their ankles behind the play. There's something more than a touch off about wearing the jersey of a guy whose job you're trying to take (Okay true, nobody makes a Jon Sim jersey, but you get the point).

But when I stopped playing a couple years ago, I was able to throw myself into full-on fandom a little better. And thanks to that newfound commitment, I've discovered the best part about being a fan of a bad team that I'm sure many of you have known for years: self-deprecation.

Admit it -- you love ragging on your stupid crappy hockey team (and if your team is actually good, well let me tell you, sir, you're missing out).

The Islanders are so bad Clark Gillies apologized when he told us he was taking us to the game last night. When the laughter died down he slid in a "...no seriously, I apologize in advance."

And that's the delicious coping mechanism that provides endless joy and entertainment for the fraternity of people who willingly subject themselves to rooting for something destined to fail.

I figure cheering for a good team must be stressful. Playing poker makes me nervous because the outcome of each hand matters. I need the money I play with, so I rarely get to just enjoy the game. By the same token, rooting for a Cup contender has to be far more stressful, given that you have something to lose.

Not with the Isles, boy. We've been eliminated from playoffs since pre-season (no seriously, that's when Streit and Okposo got hurt). I can enjoy their games, because, as Jim Mora put it, " ... playoffs? We're talking about playoffs?"

Still, I don't need to hear it from other wise-ass fans. Someone trashing my team has become something similar to a white guy trying to casually use "what's up my *N-word*?" with an African-American gent. You're just not invited to use it, where that same guy might chuck it around with a friend.

Along the same vein, when you root for a bad team, there's a kinship between your fellow suffering fans that allows you to verbally destroy your favourite franchise, and nobody gets offended. In fact, there's something relieving about it. It shows people you're not stupid (the Isles could still make the playoffs!), you're just loyal.

At Nassau Veteran's Memorial Coliseum last night, fans wearing jerseys and hats proudly dragged their team through the mud.

Actual conversation between myself and an Isles fan last night:

Me: "I see DiPietro's on the IR again, eh?"
Isles fan: "Yeah, what a shame, now we won't be able to play the worst goalie in the league anymore, I hope the team doesn't start struggling."
Me: "....ah."

We were a step away from re-enacting Tommy Boy's "Well you should, because I'm laying it on pretty thick" conversation.

I'm loving the bitterness and sarcasm I get to deploy on the daily with this team (it suits New Yorkers nicely too). The billion-game losing streak was damn near the highlight of my sports fan career. If Jack Capuano would just start using a power-play unit of Sim/Gillies/Joensuu, I'd be poop-my-pants level excited for the conversations I'd get to have with other self-loathers.

Maybe it'd be harder to revel in the failure if your team had a chance to succeed when the year began, and they just ~~New Jersey Devil'd~~ underachieved, but for me, the season been cooked since about game eight. That's a long time to work in some solid self-deprecation.

Fans of bad teams are blue collar workers, a proud bunch that shows up every day and puts in the necessary work to build something great, generally while cursing out the very thing they're putting their effort into.

And like blue collar workers, we cling to laughter and booze.

So Isles fans, Senators fans, Panthers fans and beyond, remember: We'll get ‘em next year, right?

... Ha.

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12/17 Quickie: NFL Week 15, Bowls

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Fight Video: The 'Holy crap, this is happening?' goalie brawl

We can only assume the catalyst for this Florida Everblades line brawl was the lingering angst over having to wear those neon green monstrosities as holiday jerseys.

Whatever the motivation, here are the Everblades and their ECHL rivals the Gwinnett Gladiators bringing the holiday cheer in a battle royal last night in Estero, Fla. ... including a GOALIE FIGHT!

No. 36 I your programs is Billy Sauer, the Gladiators goalie hanging on for dear life at center ice. No. 41 in your programs is Bobby Goepfert, the Everblades goalie who jumped in to stand up for a teammate and then tried to find a way to pound Sauer's face.

Craig Handel of the News Press caught up with the combatants after the game:

"I'm thinking, 'Holy crap, this is happening?' " Goepfert said. "I don't want to be taking Christmas pictures with a black eye, but I guess everything turned out OK. ... I couldn't have expected this around the holidays. It's the spirit of giving, but they were giving spirits."
Gwinnett (12-13-1) is 0-9-1 in its last 10 games, which may explain the players' frustration. And it may explain why Gladiators goalie Billy Sauer came down and challenged Goepfert. The two exchanged punches. When Goepfert landed a few shots, he earned one of the loudest roars heard in Germain in quite awhile.
"He came at me like he wanted to bear hug me," Goepfert said. "I said, 'Slow down, I'll fight you.' "
Goepfert, who took part in his first professional fight, said he wasn't surprised by the crowd's reaction. "I know anytime goalies fight, it's a big deal," he said. "It's nice when you get appreciated for standing up for a teammate. It's part of the game, hopefully not every game. I'm not the biggest guy in the world, but it's not the size of the dog, you know?"

Everblades blogger Lady Byng's Love Child had the penalty breakdown on the YouTube video page and will have a recap later today. Quite the stocking stuffer from the wild and wacky world of the ECHL, that one.

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Video: Chiefs get penalized for overdoing the Lambeau Leap

The Lambeau Leap, the well-known touchdown celebration started by the Green Bay Packers in the 1990s, is one of the more endearing in the game. Who doesn't like the sight of a player jumping into the stands of his home stadium and bonding with the fans after a score? Though the NFL has curbed most touchdown celebrations, the Leap maintains its approved status, though there are conditions. One primary condition is that the league doesn't want group celebrations, scripted or otherwise.

[Rewind video: NFL player penalized for backwards somersault celebration]

In a 34-14 beatdown of the Tennessee Titans that put his team on the verge of an AFC West title (which it won after the Cincinnati Bengals beat the San Diego Chargers), Kansas City Chiefs star running back Jamaal Charles found this out the hard way. When receiver Dwayne Bowe scored on a 75-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter, Bowe went into the stands at Arrowhead Stadium. Charles went in there as well, which was not OK with the NFL.

Well, now we know. Charles got an unsportsmanlike conduct call for jumping into the stands (apparently, the officiating crew didn't see quarterback Matt Cassel do the same), which led to the entertaining ruling that "only one man is permitted to jump into the stands."

[Videos: Most over-the-top touchdown celebrations]

It didn't matter in the end -- the penalty yardage was assessed on the following kickoff and the Titans had no comeback in them -- but I'd love to hear from the NFL on this one. Is this the kind of thing teams are briefed on, or does it just sort of naturally fall under the league's feelings about group celebrations? Let that be a lesson to you, rogue celebrators -- wait until your teammate is out of the crowd before taking your turn!

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2010 NFL Projections and Odds

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Monday Night Live Blog: Jets @ Patriots

It's Jets vs. Patriots tonight, and as far as I'm concerned, this makes up for all the 49ers vs. Cardinals games in the world. It's got everything you need for a quality football experience: intense dislike, playoff implications, a clash of styles, handsome quarterbacks. It's about to go down.

We'll be here throughout the game with running play-by-play, observations, insights, polls, blatant lies and a high level of interactivity with you, our appreciated reader.

We'll get it started a few minutes before kickoff. See you then.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

NFL Picks Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Orleans

After last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks, the young Buccaneers looked like a team full of stars.

Josh Freeman threw for five touchdowns and LeGarrette Blount racked up 164 rushing yards.

If they play like that against the defending champs, then they'll have a shot at ruining any hopes for the Saints to win the NFC South over the Falcons.

But the Saints have a strong secondary and are solid at defending the run and will be a very tough team to beat.

The other problem is that the Bucs haven't shown the ability to defeat teams with winning records.

They'll need to exhibit maturity, poise and tenacity in order to score an upset against a powerhouse teams such as the Saints. They'll also need to be really lucky in this week's key matchup.

Otherwise, the Saints will eat them alive.

Upset Prediction: Bucs 24, Saints 21

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FC Dallas Signs MLS MVP David Ferreira to New Contract

Filed under: Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Suddenly, Dallas is a desirable destination in Major League Soccer.

Rather than parlay his success into a move, league MVP David Ferreira has decided to extend his stay Texas. On Wednesday, FC Dallas announced a new multi-year deal with the Colombian playmaker, who led the once-beleaguered franchise to its first MLS Cup Final last month.

Terms were not disclosed. Ferreira, 31, made $300,000 in 2010, his second year in Dallas. He was the club's highest paid player by a considerable margin.

"I've always said that I felt great with this team. I felt like I was at home," Ferreira told FCDallas.com.

"The support of the coaching staff was very important in the confidence it gave me when I was on the field. That's why I wanted to remain with the team. The team helped me to get all the merits I achieved in 2010."

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The Shutdown Corner Pro Bowl Snubs List: AFC Version

Now that the 2010 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, it's time to argue! Everyone has their own thoughts on who should make the team, and one of the best parts of seeing the teams are the under-/overrated arguments that ensue. We'll start with the AFC, listing the position players that were voted in (alternates in parentheses).

No members of the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the list. The Atlanta Falcons lead all teams with seven Pro Bowlers, and the New England Patriots finish second with six. For brevity's sake, we'll leave special teamers out, as I can't quite get up the argument that this or that punter was robbed.

Quarterback

Who won: Tom Brady, New England Patriots (Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts)

Who should have won: Brady. It's a no-brainer, really, Philip Rivers did a great deal with little talent around him, and Manning has been great despite so many injuries to his roster, but the Patriots have the best turnover differential of the past decade (+27), and Brady's thrown just four picks. He's also running one of the most efficient offenses ever with two rookie tight ends, a reclamation project in Deion Branch, a no-name running back in BenJarvus Green-Ellis ... and if you think Danny Woodhead would be doing what he's doing in any other offense, you've watched "The Town" too many times. He's the best quarterback in the NFL, he's the NFL MVP, and he's a "duh"-level Pro Bowl selection .

Halfback

Who won: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars (Arian Foster, Houston Texans, Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs)

Who should have won: Charles. We love us some Pocket Hercules, and Foster is great, but Charles is the league's most efficient and explosive running back, averaging 6.0 yards per carry on his first 10 carries of every game, and 7.5 on carries 11-20. If the Chiefs' coaching staff had given him a Chris Johnson-level workload, you'd be looking at a back of Johnson's statistical stature.

Fullback

Who won: Vonta Leach, Houston Texans

Who should have won: Leach. No argument here. The main reason I put Charles over Foster is t he fact that Foster has a wrecking machine like Leach blocking for him.

Receiver

Who won: Andre Johnson, Houston Texans/Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts (Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs/Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos)

Who should have won: Johnson and Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers. I have no issue with Andre Johnson on this list. But Wallace already has seven touchdowns of 40 yards or more, making him a slightly more potent deep threat than Lloyd, and he's become the pointman in Pittsburgh's offense. I'd put Bowe over Wayne and kick myself to a degree for not putting Bowe over Johnson (I could be convinced either way), but there you go. Mike Wallace is a huge snub here.

Tight end

Who won: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers (Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Who should have won: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots. Gates is having an incredible season, but he's played in just 10 games this year. Lewis has been an explosive and reliable target for David Garrard all season. But there is no more valuable tight end in the AFC this season than Gronkowski, who has become Tom Brady's primary touchdown target as a rookie, and blocks in a way that brings the old-school greats to mind. Not bad for a guy who missed his entire 2009 season with a back injury. I'd take him over any AFC tight end right now, including Gates.

Offensive tackle

Who won: Jake Long, Miami Dolphins/Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns (D'Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets)

Who should have won: Thomas and Long. I'm going to stick with the two starters, though Ferguson has allowed just two sacks this season. Thomas and Long provide an interesting style clash - in a Pro Bowl situation, I'd play the more technically refined Thomas at left tackle, and put Long the basher on the right side.

Offensive Guard

Who won: Kris Dielman, San Diego Chargers/Logan Mankins, New England Patriots (Brian Waters, Kansas City Chiefs)

Who should have won: Mankins and Waters. I'll take Waters over Dielman because the Chiefs' power zone play was been so consistently excellent this season, especially in the middle gaps.

Center:

Who won: Nick Mangold, New York Jets (Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Who should have won: Mangold. Clearly the best center in the game from this point of view. But I'll take New England's Dan Koppen over Pouncey, who strikes me as a questionable choice.

Defensive End

Who won: Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts/Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts (Jason babin, Tennessee Titans)

Who should have won: Babin and Mathis. Sorry, Dwight, but Mathis is the more versatile sackmaster on the Colts' squad these days, providing a better presence against the run. No end in the AFC has put up more negative plays than Babin, who came out of nowhere after negligible turns in Houston and Seattle.

Defensive tackle

Who won: Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens/Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders)

Who should have won: Ngata and Terrance Knighton, Jacksonville Jaguars. We all know how great Ngata is - his combination of size and agility is truly unbelievable. But instead of Wilfork, or the proverbially underrated Kyle Williams of the Buffalo Bills, I'm taking a flyer on Knighton, who recorded a success, stop, or defeat on eveyr play he was involved in through Week 12, the longest such streak for any defensive player in the NFL. The Jags don't get a lot of face time, which is the only reason you don't yet know how good "Pot Roast" really is.

Outside Linebacker

Who won: James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers/Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins (Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens)

Who should have won: Harrison and Wake. I'd probably put Harrison's teammate LaMarr Woodley above Suggs as the alternate because I think his versatility is grossly undersold, but it's tough to argue with Suggs' great season, either.

Inside Linebacker

Who won: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots)

Who should have won: Mayo. I'm of the belief that Lewis is the greatest linebacker in NFL history, and I have no issue with him as a ceremonial alternate every year until the end of time, but Mayo is simply the better player on a play-to-play basis. No linebacker has been involved in more plays, and few have a better balance between run and pass defense. Truth be told, Stephen Tulloch should be the actual alternate based on 2010 performance.

Cornerback

Who won: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders/Darrelle Revis, New York Jets (Devin McCourty, New England Patriots)

Who should have won: Revis and Johnathan Joseph, Cincinnati Bengals. I'm not going to argue with Revis' selection, but as much as I respect Asomugha's body of work, I've been more impressed by Joseph's work; he's the more dynamic of the best cornerback duo in the league, as Leon Hall's no slouch, either.

Free Safety

Who won: Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens (Brandon Meriweather, New England Patriots)

Who should have won: Reed. This and the AFC's free safety choice ... well, they're the biggest no-brainers this side of Tom Brady.

Strong Safety

Who won: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Who should have won: Polamalu. Whenever he's healthy, he's a legitimate MVP candidate.

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