Swag Award February 2-8

On paper, the matchup was one that bookmakers and sports enthusiasts alike salivated over. The first time since 1994 that two #1 seeds faced one another in the Super Bowl. Two of the games most prolific offenses and two of the games most accurate quarterbacks duking it out for one of the most coveted prizes in all of sport; The Lombardi Trophy.

On paper it appeared that the Indianapolis Colts were the better team. Led by 2009 league MVP Peyton Manning, and well-rested after a 14-0 start the Colts seemed poised to win their second title in four years.

Outcomes are not decided on paper, and that my friends is why we play the game.

For the first 15 minutes of the game the New Orleans Saints, the laughing stock of the NFL for many seasons, the expansion team that hadn’t reached a Super Bowl in its first 43 years of existence looked every bit less experienced than their counterparts from Indy.

New Orleans could have rolled over at the end of the 1st quarter when they were down 10-0 and didn’t show any signs that they were capable of slowing down Peyton Manning’s methodic passing attack. New Orleans could have rolled over in the 2nd quarter when Indy stopped back-to-back runs on 3rd and 4th and goal, but they didn’t.

A wise man once told me that “a true champion prevails despite the circumstances,” and that is what the Saints did coming out of halftime. Despite being a slight underdog, and facing a 10-6 deficit at the half, the Saints put together an impressive 30 minutes of football; starting with a recovered onside kick to begin the second half.

That play, the first time an onside kick was attempted in a Super Bowl before the 4th quarter, was a game-changer and the catalyst the propelled the Saints to a 25-point second half and their first ever Super Bowl title.

It’s hard to not to root for a team like the Saints. There’s no way to measure what a Super Bowl title does for the spirits and emotions of the city of New Orleans, and the surrounding gulf region that is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I think sports fans around the league won’t mind yelling out a resounding “Who Dat!??” in honor of the Saints’ tremendous season.

Any successful person will tell you that winners take risks, and the New Orleans took the necessary risks in Super Bowl XLIV to be crowned World Champions at games end. To the victor goes the spoils. Swagger!

Mike Vick speaks for the first time since his release

Yesterday evening Mike Vick, former NFL superstar turned convict spoke to James Brown of CBS Sports on 60 Minutes for his first formal interview since his release from prison following a two year stint for bankrolling an intrastate dogfighting ring.

In the interview Vick told Brown that the magnitude and severity of his actions did not really sink in until the door of the prison cell slammed shut in Leavenworth, Kansas. He also said that he initially lied about the allegations because he was scared, and knew his career was in jeopardy and also, that lying to his sponsors, teammates and Falcons owner Arthur Blank backfired on him tremendously.

Vick's interview was one of the more honest, sincere interviews I've seen in a while, especially compared to A-Roid's interview a few months back with Peter Gammons of ESPN.

Personally, I'm happy the Vick is back in the league. I think he is contrite, humbled, and eager to revive his NFL career and his standing in the eyes of the public. Vick has a team of image coaches assisting him with his return to game. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who regularly visits prisons to speak with inmates has been serving as a mentor to Mike for months. Vick has also teamed up with the Humane Society and has already begun making appreances to speak out against cruelty to animals.

I have enjoyed watching Mike Vick play football since his college days. His athletic prowess was/is undeniable. Everyone makes mistakes, and he has without question paid the price for the biggest mistake of his life. I wish him all the best on his road to redemption.

Are you ready for some football??

Apparently Reggie Wayne is, as he showed up to the Colts training camp a few days back in a dump truck..

Equipped with his hard hat and lunchbox, Wayne said he was ready to start rebuilding the road to the the Super Bowl. If you remember, it was Wayne & the Colts who won Super Bowl XLI back in 2006 beating the Chicago Bears 29-17.

Good luck this year Reggie. Usually antics like this would have been all over the TV, but it's hard to get in the limelight with Mike Vick trying to make a comeback, Steve McNair's untimely death, T.O.'s realty show, and Brett Favre's saga. Gotta love the NFL. Getcha popcorn ready.

Herschel Walker to begin MMA fighting career

That's right. According to Sports Illustrated's own Peter King, Herschel Walker has announced his plans to enter the realm of mixed martial arts this fall. 

The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner has been incorporating martial arts into his training regimen for nearly 30 years. Despite his age (47), Herschel Walker is a beast, and he's been training with martial arts probably longer than his competition has been alive. I pity the fool who steps in the ring with him. Would you want to step into a cage with minimal padding and maximum pain with this man?

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall cleared on domestic violence charges

Brandon Marshall is a firecracker, that much is obvious. His nickname is "The Beast," and anyone who knows him knows that he is a fierce competitor who enjoys punishing defenders on his way to the end zone. What is less apparent is how much that "beast" mentality he takes with him off the field and into his personal life.

NFL league spokesperson Greg Aiello announced today that Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league in response to an incident that occurred on March 1 in Atlanta, where he and his new fiancee were arrested following a domestic dispute. 

This was not Marshall's first time under NFL scrutiny for a domestic dispute. In fact Marshall's past is as tainted as any one's, consisting of numerous domestic disputes and arrests with his former girlfriend Rasheeda Watley between 2006 and 2008. A timeline of Marshall's domestic past here. Marshall was suspended for one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy in 2008. Just by looking at the facts, it appears as if Marshall has some anger management issues that he needs to address..

Here is a piece ESPN ran on Marshall's past domestic disputes and subsequent run-ins with the law:

I don't like to make assumptions and/or judge a situation without all the facts...but I'm just saying. Over 10 domestic incidents with two different women in a three year NFL career doesn't look good. Life and football aren't the same Brandon. You can't stiff arm your girl like you do opponents. That ferocity on the field earned Marshall a spot on his first Pro-Bowl this past season. That ferocity off the field has ended one of his relationships, and could jeopardize his NFL career. I have ZERO tolerance for men who hit women. Judging by the remarks from the parents of Marshall's ex-girlfriend Rasheedah Watley, the Denver Broncos seem to be a little more sympathetic towards their superstar receiver. Get it together Brandon. The NFL let you off the hook this time. Next time, you may not be so lucky. Just ask Mike Vick.

James Harrison has better things to do than meet President Obama

James Harrison has become the latest athlete to say/do something that average Joe's with average common sense would scoff at. In a recent interview, Harrison expressed his sentiments and voiced his opinion as to why he didn't feel the need to make the trip to the White House with his team to  meet the President this week.

"If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. So as far as I'm concerned, he would have invited Arizona if they had won."

No sh*! Sherlock! The President doesn't invite losers to the White House. He doesn't have the time nor the inclination. Obviously if the Steelers had lost Arizona would have gotten the invite. Every championship team, professionally and on the collegiate level gets an invite to the White House for a photo-op with the President, autographs and a tour. 

Harrison needs to get off his high horse and realize that  the opportunity to meet the President is a direct result of the Super Bowl victory. A victory that Harrison contributed to by scoring the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. It's hard for me to understand why a professional athlete cannot comprehend that that we value achievement in this country. You work hard, you win, you reap the benefits. End of story. 

Despite a Super Bowl ring, being named Defensive Player of the Year, and the recent signing of a six year $51 million contract, Harrison still feels like he is owed something by someone...To use another Jay-Z quote; "you can pay for school but you can't buy class." Ignorance apparently is bliss.

NFL Legend, John Madden retires

John Madden announced his retirement today after a long, successful career in football. Hired at the age of 32, Madden became the NFL's youngest head coach. In his 8 seasons, Madden and the Raiders went 103-32-7 (best winning percentage in NFL history), and defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI.

After leaving the Raiders, Madden stepped into the announce booth where his success continued, winning 16 Emmy's for his work. 

The Madden video game franchise has also been a hit, selling over 65 million copies on a host of video game consoles. I've been playing Madden since Sega Genesis days...

I had the pleasure of working with John last season as a production associate for Sunday Night Football, a season that culminated in a last minute victory by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII. Some say that game was the best Super Bowl in NFL history.

He's a great guy, with a wealth of football knowledge. It will be hard to watch football and not hear his voice. Congratulations John on all of your accomplishments.

Cleveland Browns WR Stallworth to be charged with DUI manslaughter

Donte Stallworth will be charged with DUI manslaughter following the March 14 accident in Miami, where he struck a pedestrian with his Bentley.  

Stallworth claimed he was heading to the beach, and flashed his lights prior to striking 57 year-old Mario Reyes around 7:15 am. 

The legal intoxication limit in the state of Florida is .08. Police reports state that Stallworth's BAC was .12. Stallworth will be charged with DUI, and if convicted could face many as 15 years in prison. 

Here is footage of officers administering a filed sobriety test to Stallworth...he looks a little shaky to me. What do you think?

Prior to signing a 7 year, $35 million contract last season, Donte Stallworth spent time playing in New England, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.

Officer Ryan Powell resigns amid controversy

Officer Ryan Powell, the gentleman who severely delayed Ryan Moats and his wife as they were trying to visit a dying relative has resigned. If you aren't familiar with the case, check my previous post on the situation.

Moats and his wife sat down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Monday to share their side of what happened that night. The couple forgave the officer, and said that while they had not gotten one yet, an apology would be accepted. 

Kudos to Ryan Moats and his wife Tamishia for remaining so civil despite the blatant disrespect Officer Powell showed, and unnecessary stress this event has caused. I don't know how they have done it. The loss of a mother/mother-in law is a substantial burden in itself, and combined with the additional stresses that have been placed on that family, one can only imagine what they are going through.  

The entire GMA interview with Robin Roberts:

As I said before, the Moats family spoke to Robin Roberts on Monday. Yesterday, Officer Powell sat down with a local TV station in Dallas to offer an apology and give his side of the story.

Despite the fact that the Moats family has been gracious, declined to press charges, and accepted Officer Powell's apology, I guess the fallout in and around Dallas was too great and Officer Moats decided that it would be in his and the police department's best interest to part ways. I can't say that I'm disappointed or shocked by this news. 

Texas police prevent NFL player from visiting dying relative

This story is outrageous... A police officer in Plano, TX has been placed on desk duty following an ordeal he had with Houston Texans running back, Ryan Moats. Moats and his wife were en route to a hospital to visit her mother in her final moments. 

In a rush to get to the hospital, Moats and his wife ran a red light. A cop flashed the vehicle, and pulled the couple over in front of the hospital. The drama that ensues is astonishing. The police officer holds Moats in the car for 13 minutes despite numerous pleas. Moats' wife left the vehicle to be with her mother, but the officer held Moats because he could not find his insurance. Moats' mother-in-law passed during the ordeal outside, and Moats was not allowed a chance to say his goodbyes. 

The Plano police dept. has revoked the ticket if it helps...

When you watch these videos, (there's 2 parts) listen to the officer and how he handles the situation, despite the pleas from Moats. The 'chase' ends, and the confrontation begins at 1:00.

 

The way that officer bullied Ryan Moats given the circumstances is atrocious. I understand Moats committed a traffic violation, but he shouldn't have been prevented from seeing his dying mother-in-law in the hospital parking lot as a result. A cops duty is "to protect and serve," not bully and intimidate. Officer Robert Powell should no longer be allowed to be carry his badge. 

Which athlete has the best pregame intro???

Over the last few days, there has been a fair amount of debate surrounding Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James. The debate is over which one of the NBA superstars has the best pregame intro. Recently, LeBron & his teammates have been taking "group photos"  and getting a lot of media attention for it.

Shaq, being the jokester that he is, challenged LeBron, and decided that he could one-up LeBron with his own intro...a bowling routine he conjured up with his teammates.

I'm opening up the debate to you guys. Who has the better, funnier, more original intro? There is a poll in the upper right corner where you can vote. Before you do, I want to open in up to two of my favorite NFL intros; Ray Lewis' & Brian Dawkins'.  

Arguably two of the most intense defensive players in the league, their pregame intro are no different.

Ray Lewis' pregame dance:

Brian Dawkins. Now I'm sure what he's supposed to be doing here, maybe some kind of beast or animal...not sure, but I love it.

Ok, you've seen the dances. Go ahead and cast your votes. Voting ends Tuesday, March 31. Thanks for supporting BDumasonline.com. Tell your friends.

Steelers owner Dan Rooney to become next ambassador to Ireland

Happy St. Patty's Day! Today, President Obama announced his plans to appoint Dan Rooney as the next U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. Rooney is the co-founder of the Ireland Funds; a fundraising network to help people of Irish descent.

Rooney, a lifelong Republican proved to be an invaluable asset to the Obama campaign as his support over Hillary Clinton and John McCain helped Obama carry the heavily contested battleground state. 

Following Pittsburgh's victory over Arizona in this year's Super Bowl, Rooney presented President Obama with a game ball.

 

Rooney has been leading the Pittsburgh Steelers organization since he took over from his father in 1975. The Rooney family has owned the Steelers since the teams creation in 1933. In that time, the Steelers have won 6 Super Bowls; more than any team in the league.

Dan Rooney knew the Kennedy's and has met other Presidents, but says he has never been closer to a President than he is to Barack Obama. Congrats Dan. Another achievement for your trophy case in addition to the NFL Hall of Fame induction and 6 world championships. 

Jay Cutler wants out of Denver

The situation has gone from bad to worse for Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos. As of last night, Cutler and his agent formally expressed Jay's desire to be traded to another team following a meeting of the minds with Cutler, his agent, and the Broncos new head coach Josh McDaniels.

This thing has been brewing for a few weeks now, and tempers began to flare after it became known that Denver expressed interest in acquiring Matt Cassel from New England a few weeks ago. Prior to becoming head coach in Denver, McDaniels was the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach for New England so it makes sense that he would try to bring in a guy that he was very familiar with to his new team.

After Cassel was signed by Kansas City, Denver tried to save face and make amends with their young, talented QB. Cutler was drafted 11th by Denver in the 2006 NFL Draft. Cutler has loads of potential, but since he has taken the helm in Denver, the Broncos have not made the playoffs. The Broncos were on the verge of a playoff berth last season, but Cutler threw 2 interceptions in the final game of the season, a 52-21 drubbing versus San Diego. The win propelled the Chargers to the AFC West title, and sent Denver home for the offseason.

I think Jay knew this day was coming, as he and his parents both placed their homes in the Denver area up for sale last week. Cutler has a strong arm, and has proven he has the potential to be a great QB in the league. There are a lot of teams looking for a good signal caller this season. Jay should be on someone's roster fairly soon. 

Swag Award of the Week March 1-March 7

Kurt Warner is the 'Swag Award' winner for this week, and he earned it. His story may have gone under a lot of your radars this week with the likes of T.O., A-Rod, and Manny all vying for the lion's share of media coverage.

Warner announced this week that he would in fact be staying with the Arizona Cardinals instead of leaving for another team via free agency.

The Cardinals signed the 38-year old Warner to a two year, $23 million deal. Of that $23 million, $19 mil is guaranteed; $4 million a year salary and a $15 million signing bonus. Not bad Kurt.

Warner, the three time league MVP is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro throwing for nearly 5,000 yds and 30 touchdowns. Warner was about two and a half minutes from winning his second Super Bowl as well, but an impressive drive by the Steelers capped off by an impressive catch by Santonio Holmes sealed Arizona's fate.

Now, I'm not giving Kurt the Swag Award simply because he signed a contract this week. Manny Ramirez signed an even bigger deal for $45 million. Kurt Warner earns the Swag Award because of the way he handled the situation.

After stating that he wanted to retire as a Cardinal, Warner and the organization could not reach an agreement over contract negotiations. Warner went so far as to test the free agent waters by making a visit to Arizona's NFC West rival, San Francisco 49ers.

After the visit, Warner and his agent Mark Bartelstein did the right thing and resumed negotiations with the team. Warner even offered to take LESS money in order for the team to have more funds to keep talented WR Anquan Boldin on the squad. Boldin along with Larry Fitzgerald formed one of the most prolific wide receiver tandems in the league last year.

Talk about a company man. After losing the Super Bowl and many key coaches and players from last year's team this offseason, Kurt Warner remained loyal to the franchise, overcame his ego, and even offered to accept less money to remain with the team. How's that for swag?

That's what I'm talking about Kurt. Everyone in the league is paid, and the AZ Cardinals have a good thing going right now. There's no doubt in my mind that with Warner back under center, the Cards can't make another run at the postseason. It would have been a shame to see him finish his career with another team. 

It is for those reasons that Kurt Warner earns this weeks Swag Award.

TTYL T.O. : Cowboys Cut Terrell Owens

Getcha moving vans ready!! Terrell Owens, one of the NFL's premiere receivers was released yesterday by the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys will take a $9 million salary cap hit, but that mattered not to the team because they wanted him gone. 

Owens is coming off of a season where he caught 69 passes for over 1,000 yds and 10 touchdowns. Impressive numbers, but not his best season by far.

While he was putting up those numbers, Owens was also criticizing his offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, QB Tony Romo and Cowboys tight end Jason Witten for conspiring to exclude him from the offensive scheme.  

That criticism helped to lower locker room morale, and keep the Cowboys out of the playoffs with a 9-7 record. 

Owens wasn't the lone culprit responsible Cowboys' collapse. Tony Romo was lackluster at the end of the season as well.

T.O. will now be seeking employment with his fourth team. He burned the Golden Gate bridge in San Fran, he burned the Ben Franklin bridge in Philly. Dallas doesn't even have bridges and he somehow messed up there too. 

It's a shame that at age 35, and with so much talent, T.O. can't just keep his mouth shut and catch the ball.