NFL U Weekly Matchup Guide: Week 12




Bookmark and Share
Comments

This Date in Miami Hurricanes History...November 27, 1971

This Date In Hurricanes History…November 25, 1989
 
Brought to you by the UM Sports Hall of Fame!

In one of the worst displays of "sportsmanship", the Florida gators defense flopped to the ground in an a blatant attempt to allow the Miami Hurricanes to score, in order to give quarterback John Reeves a chance to break Jim Plunkett's NCAA passing record. 

40 years ago today, the Miami / Florida rivalry hit a low point...literally and figuratively !



Below is a well detailed story of the event  by Paul Lukas of ESPN.com..

I'd heard about it plenty of times throughout the years. If you're a college football fan -- and especially if you're from South Florida -- you probably have, too.

The Gator Flop.

In case you don't know the story, here's the short version: Miami and Florida were both having miserable seasons when they squared off at the Orange Bowl for the final game of the 1971 season. But the game still had plenty of juice -- in part because of the schools' longtime rivalry and in part because Florida quarterback John Reaves needed 343 passing yards to break Jim Plunkett's NCAA career passing record of 7,544 yards.

With time winding down and Florida winning by a lopsided score of 45-8, Reaves was still 10 yards shy of the record. Miami had the ball and was slowly driving for a meaningless touchdown -- too slowly for Florida's taste. Fearing that time might expire before Reaves could get the ball back, the Florida defense repeatedly called timeout. But Miami kept creeping down the field.

That's when the Florida defense played its trump card: As Miami snapped the ball from the Florida 8-yard line, the Gators players fell down on the job -- literally. They simply flopped to the ground, giving Miami quarterback John Hornibrook an uncontested touchdown.

A few minutes later, Reaves got his record by completing a pass to Carlos Alvarez as time expired. But the Miami players were incensed, and so was Canes coach Fran Curci, who called the incident "the worst thing I have ever seen in football."

I'd read about the Gator Flop before, but I'd never seen the play until a clip of it recently showed up on YouTube. I was curious about how the principals involved felt about it at the time and how they feel about it now, nearly 40 years later.

The first thing I wanted to know was whether the record had been on the players' minds in the week leading up to the game and how prominently it figured in their thinking as the game unfolded. Nowadays, media coverage would lead to endless discussion about a passing record that was within reach, but was that the case back in 1971?

HARVIN CLARK, former Florida defensive player: "Frankly, we weren't even aware of it. We knew John was doing pretty well that season, but we didn't know he was so close to the record until that day. It wasn't something we thought was going to be achievable for him under normal circumstances anyway. Personally, I don't think I realized how close he was until the third quarter, and then I started making everyone aware of it in the huddle, so we could get him the ball back. Of course, then we all started goofing with John on the sidelines. 'How much would you pay us if we got the ball back for you?' and that kind of thing. So we were having some fun with it."

JOHN REAVES, former Florida quarterback: "There was a little bit of publicity before the game, saying I was about 350 yards from the record. So we had a shot, but I didn't know if we had that good a chance, because we hadn't thrown the ball much that year under Coach [Doug] Dickey. But we threw the ball 50 times that day! I think at halftime it became evident that I had a shot. And I guess during the middle of the fourth quarter or so, the fans started chanting, 'Let them score!' [so Florida could get the ball back]. That was kind of neat."

CARLOS ALVAREZ, former Florida receiver: "Our focus was to win, not on the record. I went to high school in Miami, and I didn't want to lose in the Orange Bowl. As I recall, the yardage John needed was in the mid-300s, so we didn't necessarily think that was possible. Not because of John, who was quite capable of doing that, but because we had become a much more run-oriented team. I was aware of the crowd yelling, 'Let them score!' but I didn't think that was going to happen.

CHUCK FOREMAN, former Miami running back: "I wasn't even aware of John Reaves' record. You say people were yelling 'Let them score'? I never heard that. If you say it happened, well, I'm not saying it didn't happen, but as a player, I'm focused on the game, not the crowd. We knew nothing of the sort."

BURGESS OWENS, former Miami defensive back: "We were aware he was within striking distance of the record, even before the game. Given the competitive nature of those teams at that time, I'd imagine one of our goals was to make sure he didn't get the record. Of course, it wasn't our top goal -- that was to win the game -- but it was probably part of our thinking."

The Gator Flop might never have been necessary if not for a special-teams play earlier in the fourth quarter, when Florida's Harvin Clark fielded a Miami punt and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown. If he'd signaled for a fair catch or simply had a typical 10- or 15-yard return, Reaves probably would have set the record on the ensuing possession. Instead, Florida had to give the ball right back to Miami.

DOUG DICKEY, former Florida coach: "Harvin Clark, he caused me all kinds of misery over the years by running back that punt for a touchdown. If he hadn't done that, we wouldn't be talking about this today. That's the real mistake I made, not having him fair catch that punt."

HARVIN CLARK: "Returning the punt, that was my job! What was interesting was that Chuck Foreman had leveled me a few times in the first quarter, so I really wanted to get a little redemption. And we weren't thinking about the record -- if we were, we never would have set up a return. We would've just downed the ball. But after I crossed the goal line, I thought, 'Aw, hell.' And I went over to John and I said, 'John, I think I screwed this thing up for you.' And he said, 'Aw, don't worry about it.'"

JOHN REAVES: "Yeah, I remember that. He apologized, and I told him, 'That's ridiculous -- that's one of the best run-backs I've ever seen.'"

But Clark wasn't just Florida's punt returner. He was also the captain of the Gators' defense, and now he felt somewhat responsible for getting the ball back into Reaves' hands -- especially because he felt Miami was playing keep-away.

HARVIN CLARK: "I felt I needed to do something to at least give him a chance. And when Miami had the ball on that last drive, they wouldn't pass -- they were just trying to run the clock out instead of trying to advance the ball. So I started calling timeouts."

CARLOS ALVAREZ: "The only criticism that should come out of that game should be leveled at Miami, because they weren't trying to score. They were trying to keep the record away from John. So they're the ones who threw down the gauntlet, saying, 'You're not gonna get the record, and we don't care if we lose.' They basically gave up on the game, just to keep John Reaves from setting the record in the Orange Bowl. That's not the way you play the game."

CHUCK FOREMAN: "Running out the clock? I think that's total crap. That never entered my mind. I was there playing football. They're shootin' you a bunch of B.S."

HARVIN CLARK: "I called timeout, went to Coach Dickey, and said, 'These guys are just trying to burn the clock, so why not let 'em score?' He said, 'No, no, we don't wanna do that.' So after another play, I called timeout again and said, 'I really think we should do this, to get John back in the game.' He still said no. And after another play, I called timeout again. And at that point, I think he realized I was gonna do it anyway. So he said, 'All right.' And then he said -- and to this day, I don't know why he said this -- 'But at least try to block the extra point.'"

DOUG DICKEY: "I didn't say to lay down, but I said to let 'em score. When Harvin Clark went back in the huddle, I guess he's the one who told 'em to lay down. And of course that was a little bit embarrassing to everyone. I was very surprised and a little disappointed. I figured they would snap the ball, we would mill around and they would score. What I should've said was, 'Full speed, no tackling.' That's what I should've said. But at the same time, it was just kids having fun."

JOHN REAVES: "I was watching the whole thing, but I wasn't saying anything. I wasn't gonna lobby for it or anything like that. I was just gonna see how it played out."

HARVIN CLARK: "So I went back in the huddle and said, 'Here's what we need to do. We have to get John back in the game. So when they hike the ball, I just want everyone to fall on the ground.' And I remember John Clifford, our free safety, saying, 'What? We have to play these guys next year.' And I said, 'Come on now, John. I'm the captain, and this is what we're gonna do.'"

JOHN CLIFFORD, former Florida defensive back: "Harvin said we were gonna lay down, and I said, 'No we're not!' And everyone turned and looked at me like they wanted to kill me. So I went, 'OK, well …' I didn't have any problem with us trying to break the record. The problem I had was that there were three guys on the field at the time -- two of 'em on the other team -- who I'd played with at Coral Gables High School. And my parents were there, and everything else. That had more to do with it than anything else. I was prepared to unbuckle my chin strap and get run over and have my helmet fly off to make it look good, but that's different than standing still or laying down."

That set the stage for the infamous play, which remains one of the most unusual plays in football history. Clifford, as it turned out, did not lie down (neither did another defensive back on the other side of the field), which gave him an unusually good view of the proceedings as Hornibrook ran by with the ball.

JOHN CLIFFORD: "The play came right at me, so I could have made the tackle, but I didn't. I took the gratuitous Catholic genuflect. So I can't be considered any better than anyone else out there. And when John Hornibrook ran past me, he had the most disgusting look on his face I had ever seen. He was definitely not happy. And I was embarrassed. I was."

HARVIN CLARK: "I laid on my back instead of my chest, because I hurt my neck and I couldn't lift it up enough to see what was goin' on. I saw the quarterback as he ran by -- he kinda looked at the back judge, and the back judge kinda shrugged, like, 'I don't know what they're doin'.' And he went on into the end zone."

FRAN CURCI, former Miami head coach: "I was appalled. I just couldn't believe it. I thought this was so much against the spirit of the game that I came back out later and said it was a tainted record. I was very, very angry. My players, they were just incensed. A couple of 'em were crying."

CHUCK FOREMAN: "When they all fell down, we were all just, 'What the heck is this?' At the moment, I was in shock, because I didn't even understand what was going on, to be honest with you. But once it set in, I'm like, 'Man, this is the worst thing I've ever heard of or seen in a football game.'"

BURGESS OWENS: "I can still remember seeing it, and how upset I was. I was on the sidelines, and I got so emotionally upset when I saw what happened. From that point until I got back to the locker room, I was very angry. I was actually crying as I went into the locker room. That's how upset I was, and how humiliated I felt. I wasn't a guy who cursed a lot, but I remember cursing in front of my dad, for the first time ever, afterward."

JOHN REAVES: "That play was down near the goal line. So from where I was standing, back near the 50-yard line, it was actually hard to see what had happened. I didn't even fully understand it at first."

CARLOS ALVAREZ: "I saw the play, and it was amazing. It was like all the defensive players fell down in slow motion. And once the Miami players saw what was happening, they moved in slow motion, too. It was surreal."

Of course, getting the ball back gave Reaves only the chance to set the record. He still had to deliver. With 1:06 left on the clock, and with all of these machinations being put in place just for his benefit, did he feel any added pressure?

JOHN REAVES: "Yeah, you feel a bit uncomfortable, because the focus is on you. But I didn't feel much pressure because we'd been pretty successful throwing the ball that night. I felt we had a pretty good chance to get it as long as we could get back on the field."

HARVIN CLARK: "John Reaves was one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history, and I knew damn good and well he wasn't going to let that opportunity escape."

CARLOS ALVAREZ: "I'd been open most of the night. I'd caught five passes and had a couple of deep routes where Miami was called for pass interference. If not for those penalties, if I hadn't been interfered with, we probably would have broken the record already by that point. So I figured we'd get it."

JOHN REAVES: "On first down, I threw an incompletion -- a screen to a back that was almost picked off by Burgess Owens."

BURGESS OWENS: "A near interception? I don't remember that, honestly. What I do remember is being so upset that my goal on that play -- and this wasn't the way I normally played -- was to drive the receiver into that hard AstroTurf. But my shoulder got in between him and the turf, and I actually broke my clavicle on that play. It affected me for the next two years."

On second down, Reaves threw a 15-yard pass to Alvarez, sealing the record for Reaves and ensuring that the Gator Flop would live on in college football history -- and in the minds of the players and coaches who were there.

CARLOS ALVAREZ: "It was a simple pass pattern. Caught it, ran a little bit, was tackled, and that was it. I didn't realize it would be the record breaker or anything like that. I just thought it would be another step toward the record. So there was no particular pressure on that pass. Then I saw everyone jumping up and down. It's the last play of my career. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would live on for so many years."

THE MISSING CANE

As I tracked down the various people involved in the Gator Flop game, one key figure in the story line remained tantalizingly beyond my reach: Miami quarterback John Hornibrook, who scored the uncontested touchdown on the flop play (and who Florida safety John Clifford described as having "the most disgusting look on his face I had ever seen" as he ran by).

I really wanted to hear Hornibrook's account of the game, but none of the Miami players I spoke with were in touch with him or knew what had happened to him. Miami's alumni department had a mailing address for him, so I sent out a letter. When I got no response, I convinced a friend who lives about 40 minutes away from the address to drive out and see if Hornibrook still lives there. (Turns out he doesn't.) I also tried assorted database searches, posted queries on Miami message boards, and everything else I could think of. No dice.

But although I didn't find Hornibrook in time for this story's publication, I'd still like to catch up with him at some point. So John Hornibrook, if you're out there -- or if there's anyone who has any leads or suggestions -- please get in touch. Thanks.
-- Paul Lukas

CHUCK FOREMAN: "To get a record like that, you couldn't be proud of it. It taints the record. If you beat me 78-0, OK, your team's better than mine, your coaches are better. But don't humiliate me just to set a record when you've got the game won. It's supposed to be about the team, not individual stats or records."

FRAN CURCI: "As for Doug Dickey, I wouldn't say we're friends, but we certainly aren't enemies. It's not like I won't talk to him. In fact, we've played golf together, things like that. But we've never discussed that game. Never have, ever, ever. And I don't want to. To me, it's history, it's over."

DOUG DICKEY: "We have [talked about it] a few times, I think. It's one of those things that went down in history. But the ironic thing is that it really didn't make much difference to either team in the long run. It's not like we were playing for a bowl game or something. Both teams had losing records that year."

[Editor's note: Both the Gators and Hurricanes finished 4-7 in 1971.]

CARLOS ALVAREZ: "Afterward, Fran Curci just went ballistic. And all I could think of was -- probably not in these words -- lighten up. It's college football. It wasn't done to malign or embarrass him or the Miami players. He just took it so personally, and to this day I don't understand it. And like I said, Miami hadn't been trying to score. That's the real shame of the game."

CHUCK FOREMAN: "As far as my whole football career is concerned, that was the most humiliating, low-down thing that's ever happened. And from that point on, I never respected the University of Florida, its program or its players. I don't mean today, and I want to make that clear -- I mean back in that era."

BURGESS OWENS: "By the time we played them again the following year, I still wanted to beat 'em, but it wasn't the same kind of feeling I'd had at the time. And by now, it's over. It's been over for a long, long time. John got his record, I got my injury and we've all moved on. But it's amazing how people still remember it, still talk about it."

HARVIN CLARK: "Even after 40 years, it still gets under everybody's skin. So if I did my part to help this rivalry, then great -- I did my part. I hope people never stop talking about it."

JOHN REAVES: "I still hear about it a lot. I even have a friend here in town who calls me Flop."

Fran Curci coached Miami for one more year after the Gator Flop game, then coached at Kentucky from 1973 through 1981. Today he's retired. Doug Dickey is retired as well after a career that included a longtime stint as the athletic director at Tennessee. Harvin Clark works in real estate permitting in Florida. John Clifford, after coaching high school football for 34 years, is now the athletic director at P.K. Yonge High School in Gainesville, Fla. Carlos Alvarez practices law in Tallahassee, Fla. Chuck Foreman, after an eight-year NFL career highlighted by five Pro Bowl selections, now owns a commercial cleaning business in Minneapolis. Burgess Owens played for the Jets and Raiders before moving into corporate sales and is now an online broker for environmentally oriented products. John Reaves, after a 15-year career in the NFL and USFL, along with several well-publicized personal problems, is working in commercial real estate in Tampa, Fla., and has been sober for 15 months.

Reaves' NCAA career record of 7,549 passing yards was broken by Jack Thompson of Washington State in 1978 and now seems almost quaint compared to today's modern passing numbers. The current record, held by Timmy Chang of Hawaii, is 17,072 yards. According to the NCAA record book, 61 different major college quarterbacks had thrown for career totals of more than 10,000 yards through the 2009 season.

Miami and Florida last played each other in 2008. They do not play each other this season. The teams are next scheduled to meet in 2013.

Special thanks to Thomas Neumann, Mike Lynch, Jared Wheeler, Steve McClain, Tony Neely, Chris Freet and Gerald Ensley for research assistance.

Paul Lukas is a Page 2 columnist.

For more information go to UMSportsHallofFame.com

Join the "UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SPORTS HALL OF FAME" group page on FACEBOOK !

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation whose sole purpose is to recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have excelled at their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships.  All tax-deductible donations help showcase their achievements for Hurricanes fans to enjoy for generations to come !


To Donate to the UM Sports Hall of Fame, click below...


Click here to donate now
  
UM Sports Hall of Fame
5821 San Amaro Drive
Coral Gables, Florida
33146


Bookmark and Share

Comments

Reggie Wayne Will "Start a New Streak This Week"

ReggieWayne
Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne didn’t need to be told on Monday. He had already mentioned to his wife how a scoring streak was about to come to an end with the culmination of New England’s victory over Kansas City.

Until last weekend, a player from the University of Miami had scored a touchdown in the NFL for 149 consecutive weeks. The streak started in Week 15 of 2002.

Wayne, like most, is proud of his “U” heritage. So it was a bit of a bummer that this run ended.

Asked what he thought about it, the 2001 first-round pick said, “It sucks.”

On an offense without QB Peyton Manning, everybody’s offensive numbers are down. Kerry Collins didn’t get it done. Curtis Painter can’t get it done. Dan Orlovsky has yet to get a chance to start.

So Wayne has only one TD this season. It was an acrobatic grab in the back of the end zone for the Colts’ only points in a 34-7 loss at Houston in the season opener.

But true to proud “U” form, the 11th-year pro suggested it’s time for him and his fellow Hurricanes to begin anew in the NFL.

“I’ll start a new streak this week,” Wayne said.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(indystar.com)
Comments

Raiders WR Chaz Schilens Thinks Warren Sapp is a Fool and a Joke

WarrenSapp
It is a difficult transition from playing sports to reporting about them.

There are two ways it can go down. Either the athlete is very bland because he is scared of offending any of his old teammates and becomes a homer to players and teams he likes or he just tells it as it is.

Either way they will always get some push back. Warren Sapp doesn’t hold his tongue and he definitely has some sort of grudge against the Raiders and Chaz Schilens was tired of hearing about it.

Larry Brown Sports picks it up from here.
“Warren Sapp is a fool,” Schilens said, apparently bothered by Sapp’s disrespect of the Raiders. “That dude is stupid. He played for the Raiders 20 years ago, no one cares what he says, nobody likes him, he’s a joke … Everyone on this team thinks he’s a joke. So, he can make his predictions next week, and we’ll watch ‘em and we’ll go out and win. … That’s about it.”

Sapp had his feelings hurt and went on the offensive. He responded via his Twitter account.

“Ok Just Woke Up From My Tuesday Slumber. Who’s Chaz Schilens ?? Oh Wasn’t He Just On DWTS? Did He Win??”

“My Bad! I Looked Ole Chaz Up, 8 & 6 Starts His 1st Two Yrs. ONE Start In Last 2yrs, Better Start a Career Before It’s Over!”

“And someone tell Chaz I left High School 20yrs ago! And in my 4th year I had Pineapple in my Diet!”

Click here to order Warren Sapp’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(blacksportsonline.com)
Comments

Colin McCarthy’s film-room work drawing praise

ColinMcCarthy
The fact that rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy missed practice on Thursday is a concern for the Titans, given that he may be making his second career start on Sunday.

But Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said McCarthy’s ability to learn in the film room – even when he was out injured for three weeks – give the coaching staff more confidence in him than in most rookies.

“The thing about Colin is he pays a lot of attention,” Gray said. “He had been injured for a while and you wouldn’t think that he was paying attention. But all of sudden when you put him on the board and quiz him … he has answers. And to me, that is a guy that’s really astute to what’s going on.

“You don’t have to practice. Do we want him to practice? Of course we do. But if you’re injured and you’re paying attention to what you’re doing, now you become a better football player.

“As a rookie if you can do that, you can go a long way in this league. Because not a lot of rookies have that ability to not practice and watch what’s going on, and then … make plays.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(tennessean.com)
Comments

Andre Johnson won't see full complement of snaps

AndreJohnsonWallpaper
Texans coach Gary Kubiak says he won't "throw (Andre Johnson) out there and play him 70 plays" Sunday, but doesn't expect his stamina to be an issue.

Johnson will have to shake off some rust after missing six straight games, but whenever he takes the field he should be expected to play at an elite level. His biggest concern against the Jaguars will likely be adjusting to new quarterback Matt Leinart.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(rotoworld.com)
Comments

Eric Winston becomes blind-side protector of Leinart

EricWinston
The spotlight for the Texans will be on QB Matt Leinart as he tries to pick up where Matt Schaub left off and guide Houston to its first-ever postseason berth. If all goes well, Leinart could sway another team to give him an opportunity to start in 2012. The superb play of the Texans' offensive line can only help his cause, although one noticeable difference with the left-handed Leinart stepping into the starting job will be ORT Eric Winston, not OLT Duane Brown, protecting Leinart's blind side. Brown and C Chris Myers have been Houston's best blockers this season, but Winston also has played well. A former left tackle in college, Winston should be able to handle the added responsibility, particularly with his strength being sliding to the right. Other factors to keep an eye on with Leinart at the helm include his cadence, exchanges between Leinart and Myers and the likelihood of more dump-offs and plays designed to move the pocket to the left.

Click here to order Eric Winston’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(profootballweekly.com)
Comments

Vernon Carey has ankle injury

VernonCarey
Dolphins RG Vernon Carey did not return to the game Thursday after limping off with a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter.
Carey wore a protective pad after the game, but did not require the use of crutches while walking to the team bus. Carey has improved gradually in his debut season at guard. Swing man Nate Garner will fill in next week if Carey can't play.

Click here to order Vernon Carey’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(rotoworld.com)
Comments

Santana Moss’ return a welcome sight for Redskins’ offense

SantanaMoss
The Washington Redskins‘ depleted offense is about to get one of its key players back.

Receiver Santana Moss returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past four weeks with a broken left hand. He fully participated in the session and is expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

“I feel like my hand is ready,” Moss said on his way off the practice field Wednesday.

Moss had pins removed from his hand last Monday and soon started catching passes as part of his recovery.

“I’m big on not trying to get everybody too crazy and getting their hopes up too high,” he said. “I just want to go out there and take today to see where I’m at and then tomorrow progress even more. But from the standpoint of just catching and running around, everything was pretty normal.”

Moss broke his hand when he fell on it while trying to catch a low pass against Carolina on Oct. 23. He had surgery and missed four games. His absence contributed to a major offensive slump that serves as the main cause of the Redskins‘ six-game losing streak.

Moss has 301 yards and two touchdowns on 25 catches this season.

“It feels great to have him back,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “The hand didn’t seem to bother him. He was catching the ball well coming in and out of the breaks. He looked pretty good.”

Click here to order Santana Moss’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(washingtontimes.com)
Comments

Jeremy Shockey (ribs) has resumed practicing

ShockeyPanthers
Jeremy Shockey (ribs) has resumed practicing. He's on track to play against the Colts after sitting out in Week 11. Averaging just 2 catches for 34.



Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(fantasysp.com)
Comments

Devin Hester held out of practice but expected to play

DevinHesterBears2
Receiver/returner Devin Hester was held out of practice Thursday with leg soreness but is expected to be ready Sunday... Cornerback D.J. Moore sat out again with his injured ankle and “is getting better,” Lovie Smith said, “but still not looking good for this week.”


Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(csnchicago.com)
Comments

Jonathan Vilma limited

JonVilma
The New Orleans Saints had a short list of players on their injury report Thursday. Defensive end Turk McBride did not participate with an ankle injury, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma was limited as he recovers from a left knee procedure.



Click here to order Jon Vilma’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(nola.com)
Comments

This Date in Miami Hurricanes History...November 25, 1989

This Date In Hurricanes History…November 25, 1989
 
Brought to you by the UM Sports Hall of Fame!

RandallThrillHill
The 7th ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated the #1 ranked Notre dame Fighting Irish 27-10 in front of an electric Orange Bowl sellout crowd of 81, 634...at that time, a stadium record !
 
The dagger in the heart of the Irish was a 22-play touchdown drive that consumed 10 minutes and 47 seconds off the clock to start the 2nd half, putting the Canes up 24-10...the big play...a 3rd and 43 from the Miami 7-yard line, from Craig Erickson to Randal Hill for 44 yards !
 
The Miami defense held the Notre Dame offense in check, holding them to under 250 total yards and intercepting 2 passes.
 


Miami would go on to play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and claim its 3rd National Championship in the 80's !


For more information go to UMSportsHallofFame.com

Join the "UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SPORTS HALL OF FAME" group page on FACEBOOK !

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation whose sole purpose is to recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have excelled at their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships.  All tax-deductible donations help showcase their achievements for Hurricanes fans to enjoy for generations to come !


To Donate to the UM Sports Hall of Fame, click below...


Click here to donate now
  
UM Sports Hall of Fame
5821 San Amaro Drive
Coral Gables, Florida
33146


Bookmark and Share

Comments

Devin Hester presents major problem for Oakland Raiders

DevinHester
The last time Shane Lechler faced Devin Hester, he punted it deep and dared Hester to do anything about it.

Lechler, four years older and presumably wiser since the last time the Raiders played the Chicago Bears, doesn't expect a reckless approach Sunday against the most prolific return specialist in NFL history.

Not when both teams are legitimate playoff contenders and the Bears come to town with one of the top defenses in the NFL and a new quarterback in Caleb Hanie, who replaces the injured Jay Cutler.

"It's not the same attitude right now," Lechler said. "That guy's too dangerous. With them getting a new quarterback in there, (Hester) is going to be the big-play guy.

"I'm not sure yet what we're going to do, but I'm going to try to at least make him run sideways early, and we'll go from there."

When the Bears came to town on Nov. 11, 2007, there wasn't much at stake. Former coach Lane Kiffin said during the week the Raiders weren't afraid of Hester and would take no special precautions on kickoffs and punts.

By game's end, Hester had a 2.3-yard average on six punt returns and 17 yards on two kick returns. (He had a 64-yard punt return called back on a holding penalty).

It served as a moral victory after the Raiders' 17-6 loss en route to a 4-12 season.

Hester, in his sixth season, leads the NFL with an average punt return of 21.2 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a 22.9-yard average on kickoff returns and another score. His 17 career touchdowns are an NFL record for kick and punt returns -- and that doesn't include a 108-yard return of a missed field goal attempt in 2008.

Hester also has 22 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown as a wide receiver this season.

"This guy can change games," Raiders coach Hue Jackson said. "I can't tell you exactly what the game plan is, but we're going to have a plan, because this guy is as good as there is in football. There are going to be times when you're going to have to kick it to him, there are going to be times when you're not going to kick it to him."

Raiders linebacker and special teams player Quentin Groves credited Hester's blocking and the Bears punt return unit as a whole. Lechler, who has punted to a number of excellent return men over the years, said Hester sees things develop faster than most return specialists.

"He's got top-notch vision," Lechler said. "He sees cuts way down the field. He sets up blocks very well, probably one of the better guys that sets up blocks across the league."

Hester has been so consistent that the question arises as to why more teams simply don't punt the ball out of bounds. Bears coach Lovie Smith believes that approach sends a bad message.

"It's hard to go into your meetings and tell your punt team that, 'Hey, guys, we don't think you're good enough, so we're going to kick it out bounds because we don't think you can tackle one guy down on the other end," Smith told Bay Area reporters by conference call.

That's certainly the mindset of safety Mike Mitchell, who gave Hester his due as being a premier punt return specialist but wasn't shy about believing Oakland can shut him down.

"We don't have to play him. He has to worry more about 11 guys trying to take his head off than we do about him (taking one to the house)," Mitchell said. "That's going to be our mentality for every returner that we play."

Mitchell got even more colorful a moment later, saying, "We just have to get down field and outrun their protection team and make tackles. After he gets machine-gunned a couple of times, he's not going to be too quick to return punts."

Groves said it will be important for the first players who reach Hester to make a play.

"We have to get guys in his face, because if you see him on film, he makes one or two guys miss and then he's out of the gates," Groves said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(mercurynews.com)
Comments

Tavares Gooden speaks out on the Ravens, his former team

The San Francisco Giants have been white hot lately as winners of four in a row, and turned to Jonathan Sanchez this evening to extend it to five. And after a laborious fight by the Sanchize, an Aubrey Huff Homer, and a big night from Miguel Tejada, the Giants took out the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second night in a row by a score of 4-3 at AT&T Park.

Sanchez (W 3-2) seemed to have some issues with the control of his fastball, but managed to claw his way for 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 7 punch outs. Skipper Bruce Bochy pulled out all the stops when it came to the bullpen, using Ramon Ramirez, Javier Lopez, and Sergio Romo in 2 innings of combined perfect work. Brian Wilson continued his terrific homestand by recording his twelfth save of the season despite giving up a leadoff double in the ninth.

Aside from Huff’s homer in the fifth, his fourth or the year, the Giants got some great hitting from the slumping Miguel Tejada. Miggy was 3-4 including a double and an RBI, boosting his average up to .213 for the year now. Andres Torres had himself a great night as well, going 2-3 with an RBI ground rule double in the sixth. All of the starting positional players for the G-Men got a hit except for Aaron Rowand and Mike Fontenot, but Rowand still scored a run on a wild pitch by Armando Galarraga in the fourth.


Bookmark and Share
(bayarea.sbnation.com)
Comments

Earl Little Uses His U and NFL Connections To Motivate Cooper City

In April Graham was at the University of Miami campus working out with others, including Denver Bronco linebacker D.J. Williams. Apparently Williams challenged Graham to a mock forty-yard dash expecting to smoke him as the lighter, faster of the two. Instead just the opposite took place, enjoy the video.




Bookmark and Share
Comments

Giants won't offer arbitration to Pat Burrell

PatBurellGiants
The Giants will not offer arbitration to free agents Cody Ross or Pat Burrell, CSNBayArea.com has learned from a team source.

Following their 2010 World Championship, the Giants were able to bring back both Ross and Burrell -- key contributors down the 2010 stretch -- on one-year deals.

Ross earned a one-year, $6.3 million contract for 2011, while Burrell made a cool $1 million.

Without arbitration, the Giants will get no compensatory pick should either of the players sign with another team. Returning the players to San Francisco is still an option, but the Giants will lose their exclusive negotiating rights through May, and Ross and Burrell will be free to test the free agent market.

Burrell has made it clear he likely won't be coming back to baseball at all. The 35-year-old veteran said earlier this month said that his career could be over due to the lingering injury to his right foot.


Bookmark and Share
(csnbayarea.com)
Comments

Jemile Weeks cherishes values instilled by family

JemileWeeksAthletics
OAKLAND -- The Weeks family naturally celebrates Thanksgiving year-round.

Sure, their dinner table may be more crowded on Thursday, covered with more food -- "Gotta have the cornbread," mother Valeria Weeks-McMillian said. "We love the cornbread" -- and more games than the normal day would likely allow time for.

But the acts of thanks, of reflection, of appreciation -- some or all of which are too often relegated to one holiday -- are ongoing, no matter if it's the third Thursday of November or the first or second Tuesday of April.

A conversation with Jemile Weeks, the family's middle child, proves just as much.

The Oakland A's second baseman, one of the game's top rookies in 2011 following his June promotion, takes nothing -- neither his big league status nor any perks that come with it -- for granted.

He talks of the childhood he had in a house of structure, under a roof filled with plenty of love -- the kind of tough love that meant homework and church always came before playtime in the streets.

"I got into my fair share of trouble when I wasn't home at a certain time," Weeks said, laughing.

But, eventually, Jemile always made it home. And the 24-year-old still finds his way there, never forgetting his Florida roots or the people responsible for creating them.

"The offseason time is about being with the family, and Jemile sure relishes that time," said Valeria, who is also mom to daughter, Kaisha, and son, Rickie, MIlwaukee's All-Star second baseman. "Baseball fills our hearts with joy for 162 days of the year, but these are the times we look forward to. These are the moments I wait for."

In the winter months, Jemile and Rickie make their offseason homes close to mom, who provides Sunday dinners after church. As a pastor, Valeria introduced her kids to church at a young age, so as to provide them with a "solid foundation."

"It was important for them to be there because it gave them character-building skills, putting God first and everything else second," Rickie Weeks Sr. said. "I think it really helped all of them socially, communicating with people and behaving the right way."

So they went multiple times a week, even if it meant Rickie Sr. sneaking out of service early with his sons in time for a baseball game. As they grew older, both took to the drums in the church musical group -- an exercise Jemile believes aided in the rhythmic and timing skills involved in hitting.

"Certain things were expected of us and certain things just weren't acceptable in our household that might have been next door," Jemile said. "They tried to raise us to a different standard, and we had no choice in the matter.

"We lived on a different schedule -- a good schedule that helped mold us."

But he insists, "When you have that type of guidance to steer you away from those bad influences, it really shapes your future, maybe a lot sooner than the person next to you."

Though baseball didn't mean much to Valeria if schoolwork wasn't done, several of her favorite early memories of Jemile came on the field, where her son -- who stands just 5-foot-8 -- would step to the plate, his opponents automatically coming in from the outfield and infield with little expectation.

"That was always funny to me because I thought, 'They really don't know who this kid is,'" Valeria said. "Whenever they did that, the ball always went over their heads. It never failed. The coaches and the parents on the sidelines, they'd say, 'Wow, look at that little kid go!'"

Even before that time, Rickie Sr. recalls Jemile in his stroller, impatiently waiting for his turn to join his older brother on the field.

"He would try to get himself out of that stroller," Rickie Sr. said. "He was like, "I gotta get out there and play baseball, dad!"

"He had all of us throwing the ball to him, with one of those plastic ball and bat sets," Valeria said. "I would have the ball and he'd say, 'Pitch the ball, mama!"

Said Jemile: "God blessed us with parents that care. Growing up in our house, you just learned how to be appreciative. You're supposed to be appreciative of the little things, so you know how to be appreciative of the bigger things."

There's undoubtedly much to be thankful for in the Weeks household. Jemile calls it a "sweet life" -- even when cornbread's not on the table.

"I always told Jemile, 'Big things come in small packages,'" Valeria said. "I truly believe that. I am so proud of him. I'm proud of him as a man, as my son."


Bookmark and Share
(mlb.com)
Comments

Yonder Alonso to hold clinic at academy's new opening

YonderAlonsoReds
CINCINNATI -- Three members of the Reds family will be on hand when the Champions Baseball Academy formally moves into its new location and holds an Opening Day celebration on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The event, which runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET, is located at the Riverstar baseball/softball complex at 5994 Linneman St. in Cincinnati.

Reds left fielder Yonder Alonso will hold a hitting clinic, while former Reds pitchers Tom Browning and Chris Welsh will work a pitching program. There will also be prizes that include bats, gloves and Reds autographs.

The event, and all of its activities, are free and open to the public.


Bookmark and Share
(mlb.com)
Comments

Broncos make Willis McGahee a team captain

WillisMcGaheeBroncos
Broncos running back Willis McGahee on Wednesday replaced the departed Kyle Orton as a team captain.

"He had the next most votes when we took the vote back before the season started," Broncos coach John Fox said. "So we took the next guy on the pecking order.

"He's certainly one of the leaders in our locker room."

McGahee has rushed for 658 yards this season on 139 carries, leading a run-heavy Broncos offense.

He arrived as a free agent this season, his eighth as an NFL pro. He previously played in Baltimore and Buffalo.

Click here to order Willis McGahee’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(denverpost.com)
Comments

Andre Johnson an Intriguing Player for Week 12 in the NFL

AndreJohnson
Andre Johnson — Johnson finally has been given the all-clear to return from the hamstring injury that he sustained in Week Four, but you'll have to forgive his fantasy owners if their feeling of relief is mixed with a dose of trepidation. Given that Johnson's long-awaited return was delayed by minor setbacks along the way, concerns about how his surgically repaired hammy will hold up are justified. Then there's the matter of his new quarterback. While Johnson was in the homestretch of the healing process, Matt Schaub went down with a season-ending foot injury. Matt Leinart, a former golden boy to USC fans and a former pariah to Arizona Cardinals fans, will make his first start for the Texans in Jacksonville this weekend. Will the Texans' offense sail along as smoothly with the left-hander at the rudder? Or will the drop-off from Schaub to Leinart be significant enough to lower Johnson's statistical output from the elite level to merely good (or worse)?

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(profootballweekly.com)
Comments

Ryan Braun is selected most valuable player in National League

RyanBraun
Ryan Braun was looking out at the Pacific Ocean from the balcony of his home in Malibu on Tuesday morning as he waited for a phone call telling him whether he had been selected National League most valuable player.

When the call came that he had won, he said he reacted with great emotion.

"It's pretty incredible," he said.

Braun, who learned to play baseball on youth fields and high school diamonds in the San Fernando Valley before becoming the top hitter for the Milwaukee Brewers, received 20 of a possible 32 first-place votes and 388 points in voting from members of the Baseball Writers' Assn. of America.

He beat out Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, who received 10 first-place votes and 332 points. Prince Fielder of the Brewers finished third with 229 points.

"I'm happy for Ryan," said Kemp, who congratulated him first on Twitter and then during a call with reporters. "I knew it was going to be close. He deserves every bit of this award."

Braun complimented Kemp, saying, "Matt is one of the best players in the game. The season he had will always go down as one of the greatest in Dodger history. If he had won the MVP, I couldn't have argued with him winning."

The award is still a goal for Kemp, who last week signed a $160-million contract extension.

"I've got eight more years in L.A. to try to win that award," he said.

Braun led the Brewers to a franchise-record 96 wins and the NL Central Division title and batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 runs batted in and 33 stolen bases. Kemp batted .324 with 39 home runs, 126 RBIs and 40 stolen bases, but the Dodgers finished 111/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West.

"I'm extremely proud to win this award for the city of Milwaukee and the fans who believed in me," Braun said.

Braun, who turned 28 last week, is the first player from Southern California to win an MVP award since 2000, when San Francisco Giants second baseman Jeff Kent and Oakland Athletics slugger Jason Giambi were honored. Kent attended Huntington Beach Edison High; Giambi graduated from West Covina South Hills.

Robin Yount, a Woodland Hills Taft High graduate who played for the Brewers from 1974 to 1993, was the AL MVP in 1982 and 1989.

Braun has become a baseball hero to a growing number of constituencies, from Granada Hills High, where he was a three-time All-City player; to the University of Miami, where he was an All-American; to the Brewers, where he is signed through 2020 and has become the face of the franchise since he joined the team in 2007 and was selected NL rookie of the year.

He is also the first Jewish player since Sandy Koufax in 1963 to be an MVP.

"The potential impact is incalculable in that it confers a real privilege and responsibility on him," said Rabbi David Woznica of Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles. "He becomes a role model."

At Granada Hills, an announcement was made over the high school's public-address system informing students of Braun's accomplishment.

"Wow. That's terrific," said Steve Thompson, who coached Braun at Granada Hills. "I'm thrilled to death for him. He's a terrific young man. I'm very proud of him."

Granada Hills is also the school that produced an NFL MVP in John Elway. Another high school in California, San Mateo Serra, boasts an NFL MVP and NL MVP in Tom Brady and Barry Bonds.

Braun mentioned that one of his defining moments on the path to success came when he was a freshman at Granada Hills. He was supposed to play for the junior varsity, but a senior failed to show up to set up the field on the day of a game, prompting coaches to pull Braun out of class and stick him in the varsity lineup at second base.

"The first time up, he got a base hit," Thompson said. "The second time up, he hit a home run. The third time, he hit a double, and the rest is history."


Bookmark and Share
(latimes.com)
Comments

Santana Moss ready to test injured hand

SantanaMoss
Receiver Santana Moss plans to join his teammates on the practice field this week to test the injured hand that has sidelined him the past four games.

“I’m just gonna go out there and practice and hope it feels the way I want it to feel,” Moss said. “And if it’s good to go, I’ll keep practicing for the week. I don’t know how it’s going to go. I’m not trying to get too crazy about it. I’m just gonna take it day by day.”

Moss shattered a bone near his index finger at Carolina on Oct. 23. He had surgery on his hand and team officials initially said he could miss as many as seven weeks. Moss always aimed to return sooner and last week Coach Mike Shanahan said it was possible that Moss would be available for this Sunday’s game at Seattle.

Moss has been a regular presence at practice and around the facility. He says he’s focused on rehabbing his hand.

“I’m going to give it a go and give it a try. Ain’t much to say, ain’t much to really get all excited about,” he said. “Just got to go out there and give it a try. Whatever happens, happens.”

Before he broke the bone, Moss had 301 yards on 25 catches. He’s had to watch the past five losses from the sidelines.

“It ain’t fun watching us lose,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s something we’re going through. Even not being out there, but being a part of it, it still hurts. That’s why I’m taking care of my business so I can get out there and help those guys.”

Click here to order Santana Moss’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(washingtonpost.com)
Comments

Andre Johnson Will Play Sunday

AndreJohnsonWallpaper
Andre Johnson confirms today he will be back for the Texans game in Jacksonville this Sunday.  Johnson tells SportsRadio 610 his surgically repaired hamstring feels good and now he’s just working on his conditioning.

Johnson has missed the Texans last six games after suffering a hamstring injury against the Steelers on Oct. 2.  The Texans went 4-2 in his absence.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(houston.cbslocal.com)
Comments

Willis McGahee an Intriguing Player for Week 12 in the NFL

WillisMcGaheeBroncos
Willis McGahee — Although the early results were encouraging, it's hard to say for certain whether this crazy college offense the Broncos are running with QB Tim Tebow is good for McGahee and his fantasy numbers. In Tebow's first game as a starter this season, McGahee ran for 18-76-0. He missed the following game, then produced 20-163-2 against the Raiders. McGahee tweaked his hamstring two weeks ago against the Chiefs and left early on, then played last week but ran for only 18 yards against the Jets on 12 carries. Last week's stat line is ominous, but it's unclear to what degree it was system-related, hamstring-related or matchup-related. The Broncos are preparing to visit the Chargers, against whom McGahee produced 125 rushing yards on only 16 carries back in Week Five.

Click here to order Willis McGahee’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(profootballweekly.com)
Comments

Leinart, Andre Johnson connecting again

AndreJohnsonWallpaper
HOUSTON — The ball arrived on time, and the route, as usual, was precise.

On most days at Methodist Training Center, such a sequence is routine and, therefore, forgettable. But when it occurred Monday, it was memorable.

Under the watchful eyes of Texans owner Bob McNair and coach Gary Kubiak, freshly anointed starting quarterback Matt Leinart uncorked a tight spiral on an in-route to Andre Johnson, who plucked the ball out of the air and turned upfield, seemingly all in one motion.

Cue the whistles and catcalls.

“No. 80 is back!” shouted running back Arian Foster.

Johnson rejoined his teammates Monday, back at full speed after what will likely amount to a six-game layoff from a hamstring injury incurred Oct. 2 against Pittsburgh. The All-Pro wide receiver is expected to start Sunday in Jacksonville.

“Andre was fine,” Kubiak said. “He took all his reps with the team. We will monitor his reps in practice and probably going into the game, but all systems should be go this weekend.”

Johnson was engaged in rehabilitation following practice and did not speak to the media.

As for the other end of the connection, Leinart is engaged in his own form of rehab, but it's nothing from the physical standpoint. Well, perhaps rust — the former first-round pick hasn't started a game since 2009 — but preparing for his first significant action in two seasons has meant not only regaining trust in himself but of those around him.

“(My teammates) know I've been through a lot in my career, and I've been up and down, and ever since I got here, I've ... been surrounded by a lot of positivity,” he said. “(I've) gotten my confidence back over the last 18 months, and I just feel good. I feel good, ready for this opportunity, and it's great to have a great group of guys on this team — not just on our side of the ball, but on this team.

“I know the guys have my back, and for me, it's just a matter of just going out there and just leading the team and just managing the game, and we've got a great group of guys around me.”

Left tackle Duane Brown liked what he saw.

“He looked pretty sharp out there today,” he said of Leinart. “On point, strong arm, good in our audibles, things like that, getting us into the right plays, so we're excited going forward.”

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(mysanantonio.com)
Comments

Ray Lewis making every effort to return to Ravens as fast as possible

RayLewis
It's not every day that an NFL player apologizes for skipping out on time with the media. In fact, it's basically never.

But Ray Lewis is a man all his own, and the Ravens linebacker released a statement Tuesday to explain his absence to the Baltimore media. His reason? Oh yeah, he was receiving treatment on the injured toe that sidelined him for Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

"As the leader of your team, it doesn't sit well with me to be on the sidelines," Lewis said about his injury. "But I was the biggest cheerleader out there on Sunday, and I was truly proud of the way we played as a team.

"I am doing everything in my power to get back as fast as I can, whether that's this week, next week or whenever it is, I am doing everything I can to be out there with my team. I want to play Thursday night, and I am making some progress."

Lewis clearly isn't putting a timetable on his return, but NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Monday it will be up to the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker to decide whether or not he plays on Thanksgiving Day against the San Francisco 49ers.

Given that Lewis is making some progress, he probably can be excused for not answering questions for one day.

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(nfl.com)
Comments

This Date in Miami Hurricanes History...November 23, 1991

This Date In Hurricanes History…November 22, 1985
 
Brought to you by the UM Sports Hall of Fame!

GinoTorretta
The #1 ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated the Boston College Eagles 19-14 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill to go to 10-0...on their way to a 12-0 perfect season and their 4th National Championship...3rd in 5 seasons !
 
A week after defeating #1 FSU in the first wide right game...Miami came out strong with Stephen McGuire gaining 49 yards on 6 carries...but after McGuire went down with a serious knee injury...the offense stalled...but the Canes defense held and the Miami clinched their first Big East Championship...in their 1st year in the league !
 
UMSHoF member Gino Torretta completed 23 of 42 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown.  UMSHoF member Carlos Huerta kicked 2 field goals of 36 and 39 yards.  UMSHoF member Michael Barrow led the defense with 9 solo tackles and an interception.  UMSHof member Jesse Armstead added 14 total tackles.
 
Miami would go on to finish 12-0 by defeating Nebraska 22-0 in the Orange Bowl Classic and win its 4th National Championship !



ALSO...on this date in 1984...Bernie Kosar passed for 447 yards...and Melvin Bratton scored 4 rushing touchdowns...as Miami scored 45 points against the Boston College Eagles in a national televised game from the Orange Bowl held the day after Thanksgiving !
(Some guy named Flutie made a nice play at the end to give BC 47 points)

For more information go to UMSportsHallofFame.com

Join the "UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SPORTS HALL OF FAME" group page on FACEBOOK !

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation whose sole purpose is to recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have excelled at their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships.  All tax-deductible donations help showcase their achievements for Hurricanes fans to enjoy for generations to come !


To Donate to the UM Sports Hall of Fame, click below...


Click here to donate now
  
UM Sports Hall of Fame
5821 San Amaro Drive
Coral Gables, Florida
33146


Bookmark and Share

Comments

Red Have Spoken To Several Teams About Yonder Alonso

YonderAlonsoReds
Reds GM Walt Jocketty is shopping young slugger Yonder Alonso(notes) for a closer or No. 2 starter, according to sources. He has spoken to Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Toronto and Oakland, among others.




Bookmark and Share
(yahoosports.com)
Comments

Simple Graphic Puts The Streak In Perspective

The proCane NFL U TD streak ended at 149 straight weeks a proCane scored an NFL TD. It started in Week 15 of the 2002 season with Clinton Portis and ended in Week 11 of the 2011 NFL Season. Check out this graphic that ESPN ran of the Streak that was discovered and documented by proCanes.com.

Click here to see the full streak.

StreakGraphic


Bookmark and Share
Comments

Jon Jay Throws Up "The U" with The World Series Trophy

JonJayWSTrophy


Bookmark and Share
Comments

Santana Moss To 'Give It A Go'

SantanaMoss
Out the last four games with a broken left hand, Redskins receiver Santana Moss hopes to resume practicing Wednesday.

“Go out there and do it and see how it feels,” he said Monday morning at Redskin Park. “I’ve been rehabbing and doing little stuff by myself. Wednesday, I’m going to give it a go. There isn’t much to get excited about.”

Moss said he has no expectations for how he will respond to football-related activities. He has not played since the Week 7 loss at Carolina.

“I’m just going to go out there, practice and hope it feels the way I want it to feel,” he said. “I don’t know how it’s going to go. I’m trying not to get too crazy about it.”

At the time of his injury, Moss had 25 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Moss will test out the hand Tuesday.

“We’ll get a better feel for how his hand feels,” Shanahan said. “We’ll put him through drill work to see how his hand reacts to the football.”

Click here to order Santana Moss’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(csnwashington.com)
Comments

Andre Johnson Expected To Return This Weekend For Houston Texans

AndreJohnsonWallpaper
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson practiced with the team today and head coach Gary Kubiak said that he should be available to play this weekend, according to the team’s official Twitter account.

According to Kubiak, the 30-year-old receiver took all reps with the team today and “all systems should be go this weekend” for the injured receiver. The Pro Bowler has missed the team’s previous five games while recovering from a hamstring injury. In his first four games of the season, Johnson hauled in 25 receptions for a total of 352 yards and two touchdowns.

It had been originally estimated that Johnson would miss only two-to-three weeks due to the injury. After losing their first two games without the talented wide receiver, the Texans have won their last three games in a row.

The former first round pick has played his entire nine-year career with the Texans. The 6’3” receiver has recorded 100-or-more receptions in three separate seasons in his career, and has amassed 52 touchdowns total.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(tracking.si.com)
Comments

Colin McCarthy Rises to the Challenge

ColinMcCarthy
ATLANTA -- The clock ticked, the game hung in the balance and two Titans rookies showed composure and talent when confronted by pressure.
Quarterback Jake Lockericon-article-link relieved Matt Hasselbeckicon-article-link (sprained elbow) and led the Titans’ offensive huddle, and middle linebacker Colin McCarthy relieved Barrett Ruud (groin) and did the talking in the defensive huddle.

The injuries Sunday in Atlanta forced Tennessee (5-5) to shift its short-term plans but showed potential for long-term goals. The rookies sparked their units, with Locker throwing a pair of touchdown passes to Nate Washingtonicon-article-link and McCarthy recording 10 tackles (according to press box statistics), three stops for a loss and forcing a fumble that the Titans recovered to keep their hopes alive.

“The Titans brought us here for a reason,” McCarthy said. “They drafted us to come in here, be productive and make plays.”

McCarthy made his first career start at Carolina a week earlier and led the Titans with 12 tackles but banged up his knee, causing him to miss practice time before Sunday’s game. Ruud started Sunday but left in the second quarter, and the Titans called on McCarthy to again make the team’s defensive calls.

McCarthy said he and Locker try to be confident in the game plan, so that teammates believe in them.

“We’ve got to be confident in ourselves, as far as getting everybody in the huddle,” McCarthy said. “They look to us for that. We’re in that position.”
Hasselbeck injured his arm when it was struck as he attempted to throw a deep pass to Damian Williamsicon-article-link. He said he thought he was about to deliver a touchdown strike when Atlanta defensive end Ray Edwards struck his arm.

Hasselbeck said he expects to have some “pictures” taken of his arm today to learn more about the injury. He and other Titans offensive players said they were impressed but not surprised by Locker’s readiness.

“Jake came in and played great,” Hasselbeck said. “He made some plays and it was good to see the receivers do a nice job.”

After McCarthy forced the fumble by Michael Turner that Will Witherspoonicon-article-link recovered at the Tennessee 16-yard-line, Locker led the Titans on a 14-play, 84-yard drive. He converted third-and-10 with his legs on a scramble for 11 yards, converted fourth-and-17 with a 22-yard pass to Jared Cookicon-article-link, and delivered a strike on third-and-goal from 4 yards that only Washington could catch.

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(titansonline.com)
Comments

Giants waive Dwayne Hendricks

DwayneHendricks
The Giants announced on Monday that they have added defensive tackle and Yonkers native Jimmy Kennedy to the 53-man roster.

Kennedy was suspended without pay for four games by the NFL for violating policy on performance enhancing substances.

He has four tackles in five games as a backup.

The Giants had until today to decide whether to activate or release him. To make room for Kennedy, tackle Dwayne Hendricks has been waived.

It is unclear at the moment what the Giants will do with Michael Coe's roster spot. Coe suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday night and Coughlin said he will have season-ending surgery to repair it.


Bookmark and Share
(espn.com)
Comments

Matt Bosher gives back for Thanksgiving

MattBosher
ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) - Atlanta Falcons players are not only scoring big on the field, but off the field too.

Several Falcons football players are giving back this Thanksgiving holiday by serving meals for a variety of causes.

On Monday at 5 p.m., cornerback Christopher Owens and safety Shann Schillnger will be treating 100 men from the Shepherd's Inn, the men's facility of the Atlanta Mission, to a Thanksgiving meal. The players will be serving food, signing autographs and taking photographs throughout the evening.

On Tuesday at 5 p.m., Kicker Matt Bryant, punter Matt Bosher and long snapper Joe Zelenka will be serving food, signing autographs and taking photographs throughout the evening for 250 women and children from My Sister's House, the women's and children's facility of the Atlanta Mission.

Also on Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia will be preparing and serving Thanksgiving lunch at Crossroads Community Ministries. Each year, Crossroads Community Ministries serves over 74,000 meals to over 4,300 homeless men, women and children.


Bookmark and Share
(cbsatlanta.com)
Comments

Harbaugh offers no update on Ray Lewis

RayLewis
Earlier this afternoon, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh took part in a conference call with national reporters and members of the San Francisco media.

Once a lot of the Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh discussion had faded (I'll have much more on this later), naturally, one of the reporters on the call asked the Ravens' head coach if he had any thoughts about Ray Lewis' status for Thursday's game.

Lewis missed yesterday's contest against the Bengals because of a foot injury, marking his first game missed since 2004.

"My thoughts about it? I think about it a lot," Harbaugh said. "I've got lots of thoughts about it."

This prompted some chuckles from reporters who are unfamiliar with Harbaugh's reluctance to divulge injury information.

The same reporter followed up with another question about Lewis, asking whether the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker would be able to play against the 49ers.

"Is that something I really want to share right now, you think?" Harbaugh said. "Would there be any value in me doing that?"

Told by the reporter that it was a question that needed to be asked, Harbaugh laughed and said he understood. But that was the end of the discussion on that topic.

As much as Lewis must have hated sitting out yesterday's game against a division rival, I bet he would rather cut off the injured foot than miss Thursday night's primetime Thanksgiving battle.

Still, with just four days in between yesterday's Bengals game and the 49ers contest, it will be interesting to see if Lewis will be able to heal up enough to allow for him to return to game action.

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(masnsports.com)
Comments

Talk football with Vinny Testaverde at the VIP Lounge in The Mall at Short Hills

VinnyTestaverdeMiami
Join us at the VIP Lounge in The Mall at Short Hills, NJ to meet pro football veteran Vinny Testaverde. As a University of Miami quarterback, Mr. Testaverde won the Heisman Trophy in 1986, and went on to play quarterback for seven well-known football teams over his 21 year career.

Spend time with him in the VIP Lounge before and during Monday night’s game between San Diego and Jacksonville. Join the discussion during an interactive "Chalk Talk," take photos, ask questions, enjoy a football inspired menu, and bring home a special autographed item.

As a Cardmember, you are eligible to take advantage of this exclusive ticket opportunity. Call 1-888-710-8256 now to RSVP.

From November 25 – December 24 the VIP Lounge is open at The Mall at Short Hills, NJ, available exclusively for select Chase Cardmembers, see ChaseVIPLounge.com for details. As a VIP Lounge guest, you’re free to take advantage of a range of complimentary amenities including:
• Food and Beverages
• Gift Wrapping
• Coat and Bag Check
• Wi-Fi
• Charging Stations
• Flat Screen TVs
• Restrooms
• Comfortable Seating

The VIP Lounge is located on the 2nd floor next to Bloomingdale’s and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until mall closing except during Inside Access Events. See Chase VIP Lounge.com for hours and up to date information.

CALL TO RESERVE 1-888-710-8256
Event Date: December 05, 2011 - 7:00PM
Location: VIP Lounge: The Mall at Short Hills, NJ 1200 Morris Turnpike Short Hills, NJ 07078
Price: $50 (All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross)
Event Capacity: 80 people

Click here to order Vinny Testaverde’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(insideaccess.com)
Comments

Antrel Rolle expresses frustration over team's lack of toughness vs. Eagles

AntrelRolleGiants2
On Monday, Antrel Rolle was one of a few Giants players who expressed some frustration after Sunday night's 17-10 home loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles. The safety said he didn't think the Giants responded as they should have after the Eagles came out physical and that changes are in store going forward.

"There’s a lot of things that rubbed me the wrong way and I don’t like the way we responded to it," Rolle said.

"At the end of the day, you play within the lines, you play within the rules, but you don’t take [stuff] from nobody at the end of the day. And that’s my attitude. You don’t take [stuff]from anybody and last night I felt like we took a little bit. Like I said, man, I don’t know what’s going to change and I don’t know how it’s going to change, but in order for us to be where we want to go, things are definitely about to change."

Rolle didn't go as far as to say that the Giants played soft on Sunday, but he didn't think they were exactly tough either, especially after given their success earlier in the season.

"I don’t think we’re playing soft," he said. "I think guys are out there flying around and we’re playing extremely hard. I don’t think we played to the standards that we know we could play. I don’t think we played with as much toughness as I know we can play. I didn’t see that same intensity as when we went out there and played the Patriots. I didn’t see that."

For Rolle, the Giants' lack of toughness was exemplified when Eli Manning took a couple hits following his first interception and his team didn't respond as he believes they should have.

"You don’t want to do anything foolish, you don’t want to do anything stupid," he said, "but I think there’s a way for you to send a message and still stay between the lines at the end of the day. But that’s something we didn’t see. I don’t know. At the end of the day we have to put our foot down. We have to make it to the point where teams fear us, where receivers fear coming across the middle, where we’re a feared opponent."

Rolle wasn't alone. Both Justin Tuck and Chris Canty expressed similar frustration. We'll have more on that later on.

Click here to order Antrel Rolle’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(nj.com)
Comments

This Date in Miami Hurricanes History...November 22, 1985

This Date In Hurricanes History…November 22, 1985
 
Brought to you by the UM Sports Hall of Fame!

mifl-hof-brown1
The University of Miami began a new era in college basketball with an 85-77 victory over The Citadel in front of a sellout crowd of 4,984 at the James L. knight Center in downtown Miami !

It was the first game in more than 14 years for the Hurricanes Men's Basketball program, which was ended following the 1970-71 season. 

Led by Coach Bill Foster in their return to NCAA basketball, the Canes defeated the Bulldogs with a balanced offense, led by 24 points from Dennis Burns, 22 from Kevin Presto and 21 from future UMSHoF member Eric Brown !  The first points scored in the rebirth of the program were by Bryan Hughes, who sank a free throw just 1 minute, 26 seconds into the game.

To read an article on the game, click below...
 
 http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-11-23/news/8502220811_1_citadel-five-points-miami-hurricanes

For more information go to UMSportsHallofFame.com

Join the "UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SPORTS HALL OF FAME" group page on FACEBOOK !

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation whose sole purpose is to recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have excelled at their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships.  All tax-deductible donations help showcase their achievements for Hurricanes fans to enjoy for generations to come !


To Donate to the UM Sports Hall of Fame, click below...


Click here to donate now
  
UM Sports Hall of Fame
5821 San Amaro Drive
Coral Gables, Florida
33146


Bookmark and Share

Comments

Reds Dangling Yonder Alonso, A's Interested

YonderAlonsoReds
The Cincinnati Reds are interested in the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching depth and are dangling OF Yonder Alonso. The team will not be trading 1B Joey Votto to add pitching.

The Oakland Athletics are interested in Alonso as well.


Bookmark and Share
(fantasysp.com)
Comments

The Streak Stuck at 149 Weeks

After games on Thursday and Sunday, the streak is stuck on 149 straight weeks with only one more matchup remaining this week, tonight, on Monday Night Football. proCanes Vince Wilfork (Patriots) and Allen Bailey (Chiefs) square off. Hopefully either Wilfork or Bailey can score a defensive TD and extend the streak.
Did you know that a former Miami Hurricane/current proCane has scored at least one touchdown in 149 consecutive regular season NFL weeks? Dating back to Week 15 of the 2002 season where Clinton Portis scored 4 TDs, at least one proCane has scored a TD in each regular season week since then. We have chronicled every touchdown since 2002. See below:

- 33 different proCanes have scored a touchdown;
- A total of 661 TDs have been scored;
- Twice Monday Night Football arrived without a proCane TD and twice the streak was extended; Bubba Franks in Week 4, 2003 and Santana Moss in Week 2, 2005.
- All 32 NFL teams have surrendered a touchdown to a proCane

Week 10 2011:
Jimmy Graham - 1 TD - New Orleans Saints
Devin Hester - 1 TD - Chicago Bears

Week 9 2011:
Kellen Winslow Jr. - 1 TD - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Willis McGahee - 2 TDs - Denver Broncos

Week 8 2011:
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Shockey - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Jon Vilma - 1 TD - New Orleans Saints

Week 7 2011:
Kellen Winslow Jr. - 1 TD - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jimmy Graham - 2 TDs - New Orleans Saints

Week 6 2011:
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers
Devin Hester - 2 TDs - Chicago Bears

Week 5 2011:
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers

Week 4 2011:
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Graham - 1 TD - New Orleans Saints
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Devin Hester - 1 TD - Chicago Bears
Santana Moss - 1 TD - Washington Redskins

Week 3 2011:
Willis McGahee - 1 TD - Denver Broncos
Jimmy Graham - 1 TD - New Orleans Saints
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers

Week 2 2011:
Santana Moss - 1 TD - Washington Redskins
Willis McGahee - 1 TD - Denver Broncos
Andre Johnson - 1 TD - Houston Texans
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers

Week 1 2011:
Jimmy Graham - 1 TD - New Orleans Saints
Andre Johnson - 1 TD - Houston Texans
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts

Click below to see the rest of the list:


Bookmark and Share
Read More...
Comments

Anthony Reddick Has a Huge Game for the CFL BC Lions

AnthonyReddickBCLionsU

Blitzes, pressure and a secondary that wouldn't give in.

It was too much for Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray on Sunday as the B.C. Lions beat the Eskimos 40-23 in the CFL West final.

Ray was sacked at key times by nose tackle Khalif Mitchell and defensive back Anthony Reddick and also had to hurry throws or dump the ball out of bounds.

Edmonton had a first down on the B.C. 11-yard line when Reddick sacked Ray and forced a fumble that Solomon Elimimian recovered on the B.C. 29-yard line.

That possession ended in a 13-yard TD for the Lions.




Bookmark and Share
Comments

Colin McCarthy Leads Titans in Tackles for 2nd Straight Week

ColinMcCarthy
ATLANTA One week after making a strong impression in his first start, Titans rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy posted quite a relief performance.

He entered the game against the Falcons in the second quarter following an injury to starter Barrett Ruud and piled up a game-high 10 tackles, including a game-high three for loss. He also forced a critical fumble, one the Titans turned into a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

McCarthy’s outing was more impressive given that he missed a lot of practice time last week with a sore knee.

“I don’t feel like I was doing anything out of the ordinary,” he said. “That’s what a middle linebacker is supposed to do. I was trying to get everybody lined up — making the calls and just being vocal. There were lots of opportunities for a middle linebacker and I tried to do that.”

The Titans have said they like the knowledge and poise that Ruud bring to the middle linebacker spot, but McCarthy may be pushing him for the starting spot.

“It’s not my decision,” McCarthy said. “When I’m given the opportunity, I’m going to make the most of it. We’re just pushing each other … I know he’s still dealing with some injuries, so the opportunities I get, I’ve got to take advantage of them. When all is said and done between me and Barrett, all we want to do is win games.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(clarksvilleonline.com)
Comments

Calais Campbell Blocks 3rd Field Goal Of Season

CalaisCampbellCards
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has been a revelation this season. Ok, revelation may be the wrong word since his talent has always been in evidence. But now in his fourth year as a pro the 6-8 lineman is putting it all together. 

Campbell leads the Cardinals in sacks (5) and is fourth in tackles and first among linemen with 33. He bats down balls at the line, has the mobility to chase down runningbacks and in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers recorded his third blocked of the season and fifth of this career. 

Campbell is up for his first contract extension. With the way he's playing, the Cardinals better hurry up and get that deal done because each week his value seems to be going up and up.

Campbell got a great push between the center and guard and simply used his long arms to tap the ball off course. 

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(sbnation.com)
Comments

Kellen Winslow breaks out with 132 yards in loss

KellenWinslowBucs
Kellen Winslow hauled in nine passes for a season-high 132 yards against the Packers in Week 11.

Winslow roamed free against the Packers linebackers all game, drawing 11 targets for the second time in four weeks. He had one touchdown called back on a dubious pass interference penalty and flat dropped a two-point conversion. Winslow is on pace for 75 receptions and 762 yards heading into Week 12 at Tennessee.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(rotoworld.com)
Comments

Devin Hester's impact beyond 'specialist'

DevinHesterWallpaper
Chicago Bears kick returner/receiver Devin Hester is 29. So it's reasonable to assume the actual debate on his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is at least 10 years -- and probably a few more touchdown returns -- away. Already, however, Hester's unique status has conjured discussion about his place in history and whether he'll ultimately be recognized as one of the best players of this era.

Here are the facts:

• Less than six years into his career, Hester has obliterated the NFL record for career kick returns for touchdowns. He has 17 in his 85-game career, most recently an 82-yard punt return last Sunday against the Detroit Lions, plus one more in the playoffs. It took Brian Mitchell 223 games to finish with 13, the previous record.

• When you add in his return of a missed field goal in 2006, Hester is one return away from tying Deion Sanders' NFL record of 19 touchdown returns of any kind. Sanders played in 188 games before retiring.

• The Hall of Fame has never inducted a player based on his impact as a returner. In fact, there is only one "pure" special-teams player in the Hall: Place-kicker Jan Stenerud.

Hester's record-breaking production, not to mention his pace, has spurred passionate discussion among his supporters. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher provided a particularly direct assessment this week during an interview with ESPN 1000.

"He's the greatest of all time at what he does," Urlacher said. "And in my opinion, when you're the greatest of all time at your position, you should be in the Hall of Fame. He is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my opinion. He's going to have 30-something touchdown returns if people keep kicking to him. It's a no-brainer for me. I just don't see how people can not agree with that."

From my amateur vantage point, the best way to consider Hester as a potential Hall of Fame candidate is to expand the analysis of his impact. It's going to be difficult for voters to elect a player based solely on "30-something" touchdown returns over the course of a decade, if that's indeed what Hester finishes his career with.

The reality is that punt and kickoff returns make up less than 10 percent of the total plays in an average game; the figures were about 12 of 138 plays in 2010. That's essentially the definition of a specialist who is hard-pressed to make a broad-based impact on games when he is typically exposed to so few opportunities. That's probably why neither Mitchell nor Dante Hall (12 return touchdowns) nor Eric Metcalf (12) have received serious consideration as a Hall of Fame candidate.

But Urlacher made an important point this week: "He changes every football game he's in."

How? By impacting the Bears' field position. Take a look at the chart accompanying this post, which we present after some dutiful research by Mike Corbo of the Bears' communications office.

The Bears have had the NFL's best field position, based on the start of their average drive, in three of Hester's five full seasons. They ranked No. 3 in the other two.

Multiple factors contributed to that success, including their Bears' strong defense of this era. And it's worth noting that they had top-10 field position in four of the five seasons preceding Hester's arrival. But it would be foolish to ignore the role of Hester's returns and also of kicks intentionally shortened or otherwise diverted by opponents to keep the ball away of him.

There are all kinds of politics, waiting games and backlogs involved in election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Given the difficulty that players like Kevin Greene (160 career sacks) and Cris Carter (1,101 receptions) have had getting attention, it's hard to imagine that a couple-dozen touchdown returns alone would put Hester on track for induction.

But when you consider him a player that impacts field position all game long, as Hester appears to have done for large portions of his career, then you're moving the conversation away from a specialist and towards the kind of criteria voters are looking for. If you're a proponent of Hester's burgeoning candidacy, that's the direction you need to head.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(espn.com)
Comments

Rocky McIntosh falling out of favor

RockyMcIntosh
Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said second year LB Perry Riley started for a second consecutive game Week 11 against the Cowboys. Riley 's ascension means less time for fifth-year LB Rocky McIntosh, who is a free agent after the season. 'Rocky in his first four games was playing well,' Haslett said. 'In the last couple he didn't. Rocky's good, but Perry is really active and he's fast.'

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(fantasysp.com)
Comments

Ray Lewis plays new role in Ravens' win

RayLewisWallpaper
Life without Ray Lewis wasn’t pleasant and it can soon be longer than just a game or two.

The Lewis-less Baltimore Ravens defense allowed 198 yards and seven more points than they had averaged entering play Sunday — against a Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback, albeit a very talented one, no less. In the end an overturned touchdown call and a late defensive stand allowed the Ravens to earn a 31-24 victory at M&T Bank Stadium.

But what happens when Lewis, 36, isn’t a factor not due to turf toe but retirement?

“Ray is older. I mean, he’s year-to-year right now,” said Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb, who was a freshman in high school when Lewis led to the Ravens to the 2000 title. “It’s obvious. He’s the greatest linebacker ever to play the game. He’s been here so many years. We know there’s going to be a future (without Lewis). We’ve got the guys.”

Lewis, who suffered the injury against the Seattle Seahawks last week, did his best to keep himself involved, including leading the defense with some dance moves during a third-quarter TV timeout. It’s not clear whether Lewis will be healthy enough to return Thursday against the San Francisco 49ers.

“He was there,” veteran Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “We didn’t want to make a mental error because when we came to the sideline we were still going to hear from our general. He was very much out there as he always is.”

Lewis, a 16-season NFL vet, has played in 85 percent of the Ravens games since 1996, coincidently the first year after the franchise formerly known as the Cleveland Browns moved here. This was the first game fourth-year Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t have Lewis in uniform, a streak of 57 games.

“He was good on the sideline,” Harbaugh smirked. “He was coaching them up.”

Lewis was in an all-black warm-up suit, often with a white towel wrapped around his neck. It was hardly as intimidating as the padded up Lewis in face paint — and the Ravens defense overall wasn’t as scary either.

The Ravens allowed the Bengals to gain 483 yards, the most yards the Ravens have allowed since their overtime victory over Houston on Dec. 13, 2010. Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton had a 373-yard effort through the air, although the Ravens did net three interceptions.

“It’s huge,” said 10-year Ravens veteran cornerback Ed Reed, who had one of those three picks. “To get things going and stop them when they were driving, those plays are always huge.”

The Ravens allowed their longest touchdown on the season on a 49-yard Andre Caldwell reception in the fourth quarter, one of three plays of 40 or more yards Baltimore allowed on the afternoon.

Lewis, a 12-time Pro Bowl invitee, has the most career tackles (2,559), fumble recoveries (19) and is second in interceptions (31) in franchise history, a resume that will ensure entry to into the Hall of Fame whenever he chooses to shut it down. He may have lost a step, but the intensity (and the face paint, at least when he’s in the game) are still there.

The Ravens — and the NFL — are still better with Ray Lewis, even if Harbaugh tried best not to notice Lewis was out for a few hours.

“Once the game got started, I would say no (Lewis’ absence wasn’t strange),” Harbaugh said. “You play with the guys you have. I looked down and saw him in a sweat suit and he’s down there (in his coaching posture). We like him out there better.”

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(foxsports.com)
Comments

Is Devin Hester a Hall of Famer? Here's what NFL voters say

DevinHesterBears2
Brian Mitchell, the most prolific return specialist in NFL history, marvels at the magical moves of Devin Hester.

“Every time I see him, it’s like, ‘Damn,’ ” Mitchell told the Sun-Times. “He’s jaw-dropping.”

On Dec. 20, 2010, in Minneapolis, Hester passed Mitchell for most combined kick return touchdowns with his 14th against the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” This season, Hester has tacked on three more, prompting a popular question: Does he belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Many believe Mitchell has a strong case, and the three-time All-Pro selection says he and other return specialists, such as Mel Gray and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, deserve a football player’s greatest individual honor.

But Hester rises above that distinguished pack.

“Ultimately, when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s much better than I was,” said Mitchell, who still owns several NFL records, including most combined kickoff and punt return yards with 19,013. “When you look at Deion [Sanders] and Devin and Gale Sayers and Mel Gray and myself, all of us had a different style.

“But at this point, he is the guy. He’s done it, and he’s shown it.”

Those who determine that aren’t convinced — not yet, anyway.

Of the current 44 Hall of Fame voters, 26 of them responded and one declined an interview request from the Sun-Times about Hester. Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer was the only voter reached by the Sun-Times to say he doesn’t believe specialists should be in the Hall of Fame.

“If we recognize a player solely based on his specialty, then where do we draw the line? The best long-snapper of all time? The best coverage linebacker? The best short-yardage blocker?” Grossi said in an e-mail. “I would not elect Hester based exclusively on his returns record. He’s a spectacular touchdown-maker in that role, but I just think a Hall of Famer needs to be a complete football player.”

The remainder of the voters were open-minded to players whose merits were primarily as a specialist, even though Jan Stenerud is the only one in the Hall of Fame. Several others — including Lou Groza, former Bears running back Gale Sayers and perennial All-Pro cornerback Deion Sanders — distinguished themselves at offensive and defensive positions, as well as on special teams.

But ESPN NFL analyst John Clayton represented the opinion of many of his peers.

“It’s hard for just a special teams player to make it because they have to beat out every-down players who may have six or seven trips to the Pro Bowl,” Clayton said in an e-mail. “The current backlog would make it tougher.”

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News, respected throughout the NFL for his annual special-teams rankings, suggested that Hester may need at least 20 return touchdowns to ensure his induction.

“If you’re a specialist,” Gosselin said, “you have to put numbers that are out of the ballpark.”

Several voters lamented that Ray Guy, a six-time All-Pro who was the only punter ever taken in the first round, hasn’t been immortalized yet. Others even mentioned Mitchell and former Northwestern receiver and special teams ace Steve Tasker as worthy Hall of Fame specialists.

Len Pasquarelli of the Sports Xchange said the voters will be challenged next year on the topic, because he will be “actively supporting” kicker Morten Andersen, the NFL’s all-time leading scorer.

“I hope the selectors keep an open mind about specialists,” Pasquarelli said in an e-mail.

As for whether Hester has already done enough to get into the Hall of Fame, nearly all the voters insisted they would not decide until his career is over.

“One of the best parts of Hall of Fame deliberation is the fact that you have to wait until the end of a man’s career, and then wait an five additional years,” Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King said. “Then, you can let his accomplishments sink in and consider them without emotion.”

Hester, though, has already earned two votes, from Bob Glauber of Newsday and Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

“I would most likely vote in favor of putting Hester into the Hall of Fame,” Glauber of Newsday said in an e-mail. “The idea is to select transcendent players, and Hester is the best of all-time in his role.”

Bob Gretz, who is Kansas City’s representative, and Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune also don’t need much convincing, although both stopped short of committing a vote to him.

“It would depend who’s on the ballot when he comes up,” Canepa said. “But, yes, I definitely would consider him and more than likely vote for him. He’s unique in the history of football.”

After practicing Thursday, Hester said he — like many players — dreamed of being in the Hall.

“Every NFL player, at the end of their career, would hope to get an opportunity to be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “That would be the ultimate icing on the cake.”

Hester suggested that his enshrinement should be a given.

“If you get a guy — in the situation that I’m in — it would be unfair for him to not make the Hall of Fame, to go out and break every record that has to do with returns,” Hester said. “He should be in the Hall of Fame.”

The 29-year-old, though, is far from finished.

“Our special-teams unit wants to add to our legacy,” Hester said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(suntimes.com)
Comments

Dwayne Hendricks sticks with N.Y. Giants

DwayneHendricks
After finishing practice for the New York Giants on Friday, defensive tackle Dwayne Hendricks grabbed his playbook and cell phone and headed back to his apartment a few miles from Met Life Stadium.

When he wasn't studying in preparation for Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Millville native was calling friends for updates on Millville High School's South Jersey Group IV semifinal game against Washington Township.

Hendricks not only played for the Thunderbolts, the 2004 Millville graduate and two-time Press All-Star served as a volunteer assistant coach for the team between stints on the Giants' practice squad in 2009 and 2010.

"I obviously haven't been able to get to a game this year, but I've been keeping up with them all season," Hendricks said in a phone interview. "I called coach (Jason) Durham and some of the other coaches this week to wish them luck. It's really great to see them doing so well."

Hendricks is also doing well.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder began this season on the practice squad, but was promoted to the active roster for the first time on Oct. 14 when Giants defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy was suspended for four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Hendricks, 25, made his NFL debut on Nov. 6 in the Giants' 24-20 victory at New England. He did not get any snaps on defense, but played extensively on special teams.

"Playing in that game really meant a lot to me," said Hendricks, who was deactivated for the other games. "The goal for every football player is to play in an NFL game and to finally get that opportunity was really special.

"Everything happened so fast that game that I didn't have time to be star-struck or anything like that. I just want to do anything I could to help us get a win. Beating the Patriots was a big win for us."

Suiting up against the Patriots was a reward for the hard work and determination that helped Hendricks get to the NFL. After a standout career at the University of Miami, he signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2009, but was cut at the end of the preseason and did not join their practice squad until six weeks into the regular season. Last year, he was released again and joined the Giants practice squad again for the final seven weeks.

In between stints, he served as a substitute teacher in the Millville school system while also helping to coach the Thunderbolts.

Once the NFL lockout ended, he reported to Giants' training camp and impressed both the coaches and his teammates with his work ethic enough to join the practice squad again at the outset of the season.

"He's developed a lot since he first got here," Giants defensive tackle Rocky Bernard told the Newark Star Ledger last month. "He was a little undersized, so he got in the weight room and bulked himself up. He's just one of those guys who just keeps quiet and works hard every day."
During the week, Hendricks' role has not changed that much since his promotion. He lines up with the scout team in practice against the Giants' starting offense. This week, he was emulating Eagles defensive tackles Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins.

Ironically, he counts Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon among his best friends. The two were teammates at Miami and were both signed as rookie free agents in 2009. Dixon is on the injured reserve list after suffering a torn triceps against San Francisco on Oct. 4.

"The biggest difference is I get to jump in and take a few reps with the defense now that I'm on the active roster," Hendricks said. "I feel like I've made a lot of progress and improvement, especially with my pass rush. One of the advantages of being in my situation is that I'm allowed to work on getting better every day and I'm hoping it will pay off. I'm hoping I reach a point where I'm playing in every game instead of just one."

Besides playing against the Patriots, another event had a profound impact on Hendricks this month.

November 7th marked the fifth anniversary of the death of former Hurricanes defensive end Bryan Pata, who was shot in the back of the head as he was walking toward the apartment he shared with Hendricks and Pata's girlfriend, Jada Brody. The murder is still unsolved.

Hendricks keeps in contact with Pata's mother, Jeanette, and participates in a football camp in North Miami each summer.

"It's been very hard for her," Hendricks said. "Every parent wants to see their son or daughter graduate from college and she was denied that chance. Hopefully, they'll catch whoever did it, so she can finally get some closure."


Bookmark and Share
(pressofatlanticcity.com)
Comments

Ed Reed is rooting for Ochocinco

EdReed3
One aspect missing from the buildup of Sunday’s AFC North clash between the Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals is the lack of barbs usually crafted by wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Ochocinco, a former Bengal who is now employed by the New England Patriots, once sent deodorant to the Ravens secondary to help the defensive players from sweating while trying to shadow him. He used to keep a pre-game list in his locker of the defensive players he planned to target, and he added former cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and current inside linebacker Ray Lewis in the past.

But with Ochocinco out of the picture, the chatter has died down to barely a whisper. Ravens free safety Ed Reed smiled when asked if he missed Ochocinco’s presence.

“I’m kind of wondering where is Chad, all the noise that you usually hear,” Reed said. “You start to see some true things when guys start to get moved around in different leagues. I would’ve thought that he still would’ve been a great receiver, especially over there in New England. But obviously, there’s something that’s not right. So I hope Chad gets it together because I know he’s still a great player and has still got great attributes about him.”

Click here to order Ed Reed’s proCane Rookie Card.


Bookmark and Share
(baltimoresun.com)
Comments

Ryan Braun awaits most valuable decision

RyanBraun
What makes a most valuable player most valuable?

That argument arises nearly every year when the Baseball Writers Association of America announces its MVP awards in the respective leagues. The debate is sure to catch fire again Tuesday when the National League MVP Award is announced.

The general consensus is that the top three candidates are the Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp. Though the offensive production of those three players was fairly even, Kemp produced the best numbers across the board, ranking first in four categories and second in four others.

Kemp was the recipient of the Hank Aaron Award in the NL, a formula-based honor given annually by MLB to the top offensive performers in each league. But voting members of the BBWAA often take into consideration how a candidate's team fared, interpreting "most valuable" to mean the player served a key role in pushing his club toward the postseason.

And that's where the fortunes of the Brewers and Dodgers diverged. Milwaukee won a franchise-record 96 games and captured its first NL Central crown, finishing six games ahead of St. Louis. Los Angeles finished third in the NL West with 82 victories, 11½ games behind Arizona.

The BBWAA ballot does not say a player's team must be a playoff contender for him to be considered for MVP. In fact, instructions are somewhat vague: "There is no clear-cut definition of what most valuable means. It is up to the individual voter to decide who was the most valuable player in each league to his team."

In recent years, playing for a contender has been an obvious consideration. Since 2000, only one AL MVP came from a non-playoff team. Texas finished fourth in 2003 with a 71-91 record, 25 games out of first place, but Alex Rodriguez claimed the award by socking 47 homers, driving in 118 runs, scoring 124 times and compiling a .600 slugging percentage.

NL voting over that period was a bit more uneven. Four of the past 11 winners did not play on postseason teams - St. Louis' Albert Pujols in 2008, Philadelphia's Ryan Howard in 2006 and San Francisco's Barry Bonds in 2001 and 2004.

The Giants were contenders in '01 and '04, however, finishing two games out each season. Bonds won four years in a row from 2001-'04, mainly by accumulating spectacular offensive numbers, though their validity has since been questioned by suspected steroid use.

Philadelphia finished second, 12 games out, in 2006, but first baseman Ryan Howard claimed MVP honors by blowing away the competition with 58 home runs, 149 RBI, 383 total bases and a 1.084 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage).

Kemp would like a repeat of 2008, when Pujols won despite the Cardinals finishing in fourth place, 11½ games out. Pujols batted .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBI that season, comfortably topping Howard, who batted .251 with 48 homers and 146 RBI for the first-place Phillies. The 100-point difference in batting average proved key for Pujols.

Braun and Fielder can only hope that the Brewers' strong showing made them more attractive than Kemp in the eyes of voters.

"It'll be interesting," said Braun, who batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI, 109 runs, 33 stolen bases and a league-leading .597 slugging percentage. "Playing for a team that went to the postseason should count for something, I think.

"Every team wants to win as many games as possible. The goal of every player is to have a good year, help your team be relevant at the end of the season and hopefully make the playoffs.

"Matt Kemp had a phenomenal year. But, from what I've heard, there's no specific criteria for what you base your votes on. I'm glad I didn't have to vote because there are multiple candidates deserving of the award. You can make an argument for a number of players. I'm just happy to be in that conversation."

Kemp finished first in the NL with 39 homers, 126 RBI, 353 total bases and 115 runs while also batting .324 with a .586 slugging percentage and 40 stolen bases. He and Braun were the only 30/30 (homers, steals) players in the league.

Batting behind Braun in the middle of the Brewers' batting order, Fielder hit .299 with 38 home runs, 120 RBI, a .415 on-base percentage, .566 slugging percentage and 107 walks. He was the only player in the majors to play in all 162 games.

Because their numbers were equally impressive, it wasn't easy to separate Braun and Fielder in terms of team MVP, much less league MVP. Some folks speculated that Braun and Fielder would take votes away from each other, paving the way for Kemp to win the award.

It certainly didn't hurt Braun that he hit the decisive three-run home run against Florida the night the Brewers claimed their first NL Central crown. A few days later, he was named the NL player of the month for September. Stepping forward in the heat of a pennant race can make a difference if balloting is close.

Ballots were due before the postseason began and, unlike the other BBWAA awards, included 10 names instead of three. How voters align their ballots can be critical in a tight race because they are weighted with 10 points for first place, nine for second and so on. Two writers in each city vote, so 32 ballots were cast in the NL.

The AL award will be announced Monday and also could spark debate because of the much ballyhooed candidacy of Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander, the Cy Young Award winner. No pitcher has claimed an MVP award since Oakland's Dennis Eckersley in 1992, and no starter since Boston's Roger Clemens in 1986.

In past years, the BBWAA awards were announced beginning the week after the World Series. This year, the announcements were pushed back a week, making the wait for the MVP awards a bit agonizing for the top candidates.

"It's crazy that it takes this long to find out, isn't it?" said Braun. "And we played three weeks longer than most teams did. I understand why they do it because it keeps baseball relevant longer, but it's a long wait.

"My friends and family have asked me, 'When does it come out?' I've tried not to think about it. I have no control over who the voters pick, so you can't do anything about it. Just being in the conversation is nice because it means you had a solid year, and that's what you want.

"I have no expectations of winning. Obviously, if I do, it would be special. It's a completely different feeling when you're in a pennant race; it's so intense. It's what you play for. Hopefully, that was a consideration."
IMPRESSIVE FIGURES
Milwaukee's Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder and Los Angeles' Matt Kemp generally are considered the top candidates for the 2011 National League Most Valuable Player. A look at their offensive numbers, with top-10 rankings when applicable:



 
Ryan Braun 
Prince Fielder 
Matt Kemp
Games
150
-
162
1
161
2T
Bat. avg.
.332
2
.299
-
.324
3
Homers
33
6T
38
2
39
1
RBI
111
4
120
2
126
1
Runs
109
2
95
7
115
1
Hits
187
5
170
-
195
2
Steals
33
7
1
-
40
4
Walks
58
-
107
2
74
8T
Doubles
38
4T
36
9T
33
-
OBP
.397
5
.415
2
.399
4
Slugging
.597
1
.566
3
.586
2
Tot. bases
336
2
322
3
353
1
X-base hits
77
1
75
3T
76
2


Bookmark and Share
Comments