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Based on comments made by retired New York Giants running back Tiki Barber to Steppin' Out magazine's Chaunce Hayden, it appears the former ball carrier is rethinking his recent decision to retire. "I miss football. I want to be out there playing on Sunday afternoons. I miss the stage. I also miss the guys a little bit because they were my close friends for so many years. In fact, I ran into Jeremy Shockey on the street the other day and I said to him, 'Damn, I forgot how big you are!' He gave me a big hug and said he missed me too. It was great. If I wanted to come back and play football next year I could. I know I still have a lot left."
I have little doubt Barber misses the game or that he could still perform at a high level. The problem is, he's really burned his bridges when it comes to head coach Tom Coughlin, whom Barber has repeatedly criticized and blamed for driving him away from the game prematurely. Coughlin was certainly on the hot seat a couple weeks ago, but if the recent resurgence by the team is any indication of things to come, the Giants won't be looking for a new head coach in the offseason.
So where does that leave Tiki should he decide to come back?
He could humble himself and affix his lips to Coughlin's butt cheeks for the next six months, but I don't foresee that happening. I've always gotten the impression Barber was a little self-centered and a lot egotistical, I'd be surprised if he were to humble himself in front of someone he seems to dislike so much. Barber seems to have a genuine dislike for his former head coach, and I don't imagine the two will kiss and make up any time soon.
The Giants could potentially trade his rights to another team, but there's been no indication as to whether Barber would be open to such a move. As is evidenced by the position he is currently in, he sees his future in television. And his remaining in New York, retired or not, will do a lot more for his post-football career than finishing up his playing days in some place like Cleveland or Houston.
I can certainly understand Barber missing the limelight and comradery, but I'm not sure there's room for him on a Tom Coughlin-led team. His best bet may be to hope the team tanks the rest of the season and Coughlin is given his walking papers in February.
Photo: Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Monday October 8, 2007 permalink comments (2)Most of Vick's Confiscated Dogs SparedAs the Michael Vick dogfighting saga unfolded over the summer, one of the many comments I heard repeated by those who blindly supported the exiled superstar went something like this: "The government is no better than Vick, because they are just going to kill all these dogs themselves anyway."
I think most of us would agree that those words comprise what amounts to a very lame rationalization. A press release from the ASPCA Tuesday morning, however, takes even that weak argument away from those looking for some means to justify the actions of a cruel individual.
"...the ASPCA-led team's report ensuing from the evaluations, which were conducted between September 4 and 6, 2007, show that the experts evaluated 48 of the 49 dogs as having potential for some form of placement. Recommended placement options include possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes, rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs, or placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet U.S.D.A. facility standards). Only one of the 49 dogs was deemed unfit for rehabilitation and recommended for euthanasia, which order was entered yesterday by Judge Henry E. Hudson."So just one of the 49 confiscated dogs has been deemed too dangerous to keep around, and I think most of us realize who is to blame for making this particular dog too aggressive for placement in another environment. Photo: Karl Weatherly / Getty Images
Tuesday October 2, 2007 permalink comments (0)Favre Sets TD Record, Keeps Packers RollingGreen Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre set the all-time record for career touchdowns passes, Sunday, surpassing the legendary Dan Marino with 421. The record breaker came in the first quarter of the Packers' game with the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome; a place the future Hall of Famer has regularly struggled. Favre looked right at home Sunday, though, throwing for 344 yards and two scores. Number 421 came on a third down from the Minnesota 16, when Favre connected with wide receiver Greg Jennings on a 16-yard slant for the score.
After the historic touchdown, the game was momentarily stopped and a video taped message from Marino was played. Surprisingly, the hostile Minnesota crowd showered Favre with more cheers than boos.
Even more surprising, however, is the fact that the Packers are off to a 4-0 start. Favre is playing like he went back in time about five years, and is a huge reason for the team's quick start. But don't overlook a young defense that has really come together in the early going and is playing especially well among the front seven.
As with any young team, winning builds confidence, and this team is certainly playing with some confidence right now. And with a typically weak NFC field, the Packers are looking like a shoe-in for the post-season.
Photo: Jeff Gross / Getty Images
Sunday September 30, 2007 permalink comments (2)Griese Not the Answer for BearsWith head coach Lovie Smith finally pulling the trigger and apparently benching maligned quarterback Rex Grossman for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, many Chicago Bears fans will be celebrating this week. I caution, however, to be careful what you wish for. With Grossman fumbling and stumbling his way through the first three games, it's obvious something had to be done. But if Bears fans think conservative journeyman Brian Griese is going to get them back into the Super Bowl, I think they're in for a lot more disappointment this year. To me, this move pretty much locks in a 7-9 to 9-7 record and an early exit from the playoffs if they even make it that far. So if Lovie has designs on Griese as starter for the rest of the season, then the move is a mistake. If he's bringing him in to send a strong message to Grossman, and to possibly put Grossman into the role where he can eventually come back in a savior's role (everyone knows the most popular man in Chicago is the backup QB) then it could just work out. Maybe a couple games on the bench to escape some of the pressure and regroup is exactly what he needs.
In my view, however, if the Bears have decided they are done with Grossman completely, then Griese should remain the primary backup and the team might as well find out what they have in Kyle Orton before investing once again next spring in their next signal-caller of the future. Although he didn't exactly light things up his rookie season, he showed decent poise and potential. Now that he's been around for a few seasons, it may be time to put some of that potential to the test.
Bears fans will argue that this team is built to win now, so you have to go with the veteran. But with Griese, the only guarantee I think you get is that you don't win the Super Bowl. Griese won't make as many mistakes for you, but he also won't make many plays downfield. And to win the Super Bowl, you have to have a QB who can win games for you, not just manage them.
The results very likely could be the same regardless of which of the three are in there the rest of the season, but at least with Grossman and Orton there is some potential upside.
Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
Wednesday September 26, 2007 permalink comments (0)Grossman Still Lovie's Guy?There's a half-burned Rex Grossman jersey hanging outside one of the local taverns just blocks from where I live, displaying the unhappiness many Chicago Bears fans feel toward the maligned quarterback. And even though he was far from the only reason the Bears were spanked by the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, it's becoming more and more understandable why so many are calling for his head. Despite Grossman's propensity for producing multiple bone-headed plays every game, head coach Lovie Smith isn't one of those who are ready to make a change. At least he's not saying it publicly yet. "Rex Grossman is our quarterback," Smith declared yet again after the gameThe sad thing is, Grossman probably does represent the Bears' best chance at winning a Super Bowl this year. Despite his shortcomings, he still has more potential than either Brian Griese or Kyle Orton, neither of whom is likely to take the Bears deep into the postseason. But Grossman is a tease, which is why the Bears find themselves in this predicament. One play he's hitting a receiver in stride 30 yards down field, and the next he's floating a screen pass into the arms of a waiting defender or trying to force a ball into triple coverage. And it seems he has regressed instead of developed in his second full year as the starter. Last season he put together a number of fantastic games, but was horribly inconsistent. This year he has become more consistent, but not in a good way. None of his performances thus far would lead one to think he's suddenly going to stop making the stupid throws that put his team behind the eight ball.
But for now, Bears fans, it looks like things will remain status quo. I suspect, however, that if Grossman lays another egg against a bad Detroit Lions secondary on Sunday, we'll finally see him get the hook.
Picture: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
Monday September 24, 2007 permalink comments (4)Falcons Burned by Another Virginia Tech PlayerConsidering the events that have transpired over the last five months, you can bet the Atlanta Falcons will do a lot of checking into the character of any future Virginia Tech prospect before even considering selecting him in the NFL Draft. First, they were made to look like fools by the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal. Then on Sunday, cornerback DeAngelo Hall pretty much single-handedly cost the team its first win of the season. In case you missed it, on the ensuing drive following a Falcons' go-ahead touchdown that gave the team a 17-10 lead, Hall had a meltdown of epic proportions that led directly to the Carolina Panthers tying the game, which they eventually went on to win.
On the first play of the drive, Hall was flagged for pass interference against Panthers receiver Steve Smith, whom he'd been jawing with all day. Showing his frustration on the next play, Hall shoved Smith, drawing a 15-yard personal foul. Then, after it appeared the Falcons had held the Panthers to a field-goal attempt, Hall picked up an unsportsmanlike penalty for continuing to direct trash talk at Smith. The Panthers were awarded an automatic first down, and capitalized by converting it into a 5-yard Jake Delhomme TD pass.
Hall then got into it with head coach Bobby Petrino on the sidelines and had to be pulled away by his teammates. Profootballtalk.com says there are rumors floating around that later Hall was roughed up by some of his teammates for blowing what was one of the few chances they will have of winning this year.
And you can't blame his teammates for being upset. I mean, how often is Joey Harrington going to resemble a good NFL quarterback? You don't want to squander rare opportunities like that when you get them. Who knows? This may have been their one shot at victory this year, and because Hall couldn't control his emotions or keep his mouth shut, they lost the game.
Photo: Doug Benc / Getty Images
Monday September 24, 2007 permalink comments (9)Reggie Bush vs. Mario Williams RevisitedLast year at this time, many of us were bemoaning the fact that the Houston Texans passed on dynamic running back Reggie Bush and local hero Vince Young for defensive end Mario Williams. And with Williams not becoming a huge presence on his team's defensive unit during his rookie season, while Bush and Young were finding relative success with their respective teams, it seemed Houston's front office had made a mistake. A big mistake. But through two games of the 2007 season, it looks like maybe the jury is still out on that decision.
That's partially because Williams has awaken this year and is playing much more like a top overall draft pick should. Through two games he's recorded just six tackles, but has two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown. Now those aren't exactly eye-popping numbers, but the former North Carolina State defender is becoming more and more of a factor on defense all the time.
Meanwhile, Bush has done little in New Orleans this season, along with the rest of the Saints offense. Williams, in fact, has more touchdowns at this point than Bush, who has yet to score. Bush has rushed for a total of 65 yards over the first two games -- with a pedestrian 3.0 yards-per-carry average -- and has fumbled twice. I know this all too well because he is on one of my fantasy football teams. And he's killing me!
Young has continued to look like a guy who could develop into a winner, and there are some fans who will never forgive the franchise for not taking him. He's certainly got the look of a leader, but he hasn't exactly posted fantastic numbers himself. Anyway, the Texans offset passing on him by trading for veteran backup Matt Schaub, who has looked sharp through two contests and has built some early chemistry with wideout Andre Johnson.
Should Bush and Young eventually develop into superstars, it's certainly possible that the Texans could still come out of this looking like fools. But that outcome doesn't look nearly as certain now as it did last year at this time.
Photos: Kevin C. Cox and Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
Thursday September 20, 2007 permalink comments (2)O.J. in Hot Water AgainOver the weekend, former Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson found himself behind bars once again. The infamous hall of famer, according to numerous sources, is facing two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and burglary with a firearm. His arrest apparently comes in connection with some of the memorabilia from his playing days that he claims were stolen. The problem is, though, instead of contacting police about his suspicion that someone else was in possession of his property, he and several other men allegedly entered the Las Vegas hotel room uninvited and took the merchandise. Police say at least one of the men was armed.
The odd thing is that several of the men who allegedly helped Simpson were acquaintances he had just met at a wedding cocktail party. How strange is that? Did Simpson go to the party specifically to rustle himself up a posse. And what were these other guys thinking? "Hey, O.J. came to our party. We should help the poor guy steal his stuff back."
Of course, that stuff presumably should have been sold anyway to help pay off the civil court judgement against Simpson in the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. So it may be tough to prove that the memorabilia does in fact still belong to him. And even if it does legally belong to him, he certainly went about the wrong way of trying to retrieve it.
The good thing about this story is that, as far as we know, no one has died. And that's always a good thing when we're talking about O.J..
This situation also opens up the possibility of a second O.J. book entitled, of course, "If I Stole It".
Photo: Getty Images
Monday September 17, 2007 permalink comments (2)Wilson Questions Inconsistency in PunishmentsSuspended Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Wade Wilson spoke Friday about the punishment doled out to Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots Thursday evening for their involvement in video taping defensive signals being sent in by the New York Jets last Sunday. And it seems the former quarterback agrees with our line of thinking when we question the lack of a suspension for the Patriots head coach. He thinks it stinks (and so do we) that he has been suspended for five games for using HGH, yet Belichick will receive no time off despite being caught doing something that potentially gives him a competitive advantage over his opponents. "I would say there is definitely a double standard being applied here," Wilson told ESPN's Ed Werder. "I don't want to be seen as a crybaby or as someone questioning the commissioner's decision, but I see some major inconsistencies here. To me, they're holding the organization accountable instead of the person.
They were concerned about distributing, and I was cleared of that or I was told I would have been banned from the NFL for life," Wilson said. "I don't' want to bash the commissioner, but I definitely think there are some inconsistencies here. Intent was a big issue in my defense. What their [Patriots] intent was, I don't know. But I was just taking my punishment, and I guess what the commissioner does with Belichick is his business, but I think there are some inconsistencies here."
There are some huge consistencies here. Ask yourself which affects the integrity of the game more; an assistant taking HGH for a medical condition or a head coach upsetting the balance of competition by means that are prohibited by rule? I'm not sure how the commissioner can justify this one to the satisfaction of Wilson.
Photo: Getty Images
Friday September 14, 2007 permalink comments (0)Pats' Penalty Stiff Enough?As you have probably heard by now, penalties in the New England Patriots' cheating scandal have been handed down. Head coach Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000, the team $250,000, and they also could lose a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft if they make the playoffs, which seems very likely. If by some chance they don't make the post-season, they lose a second and third-round pick instead. Some say that's a pretty stiff penalty to pay, but in my view it's not nearly stiff enough. Players caught using performance enhancing substances to gain a competitive advantage, such as San Diego's Shawne Merriman, automatically sit out four games. Yet Belichick received no suspension. A five-game suspension was handed down to Cowboys assistant coach Wade Wilson, who claims he used the product for erectile dysfunction. Yet Belichick gets off with just a fine for blatantly and arrogantly disregarding the rules?
And how does the team itself receive a sanction that amounts to pocket change? Something just doesn't seem right here.
Does this type of thing go on among other teams? Maybe, but as it relates to the New England's punishment, it doesn't really matter. The fact is, we know the Patriots cheated. They were caught red-handed, and they deserve to be harshly punished.
The big question now is, will the punishment handed out by commissioner Roger Goodell be enough to deter other coaches and teams from doing the same? Will the cost outweigh the benefits derived from this type of covert action? Losing a first-round draft pick certainly hurts, and half million dollars is nothing to sneeze at, even for Belichick. But if the Patriots have been benefitting from this for a significant amount of time, perhaps it's worth the risk.
Think about this. How many coaches and franchises out there would be willing to risk the penalty in this case if they thought they might approach the Patriots' success over much of the last decade? I'm thinking probably more than a few.
There's no way Belichick should have walked away from this with anything less than a four-game suspension. It really sends a bad message to the rest of the league.