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| TSAReport.com dedicated this month's issue to some of the NFL's top players of the 2007 season present at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. We spoke with the NFC’s Pro Bowl MVP, Adrian Peterson and he talked about his amazing season and his personal and team goals with the Minnesota Vikings. Pro Bowl leaving Hawaii? Terrell Owens, Osi Umenyiora, and Terence Newman expressed their feelings on the rumor that shocked Pro bowl fans and Native Hawaiians. Eight-time Pro Bowler Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts talked about what it means to be elected into the Pro Bowl and his brother Eli. Check it out! |
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THE UNSTOPPABLE TRUTH
Paul Spinelli/SpinPhotos
"I came in with the goal to win [Pro Bowl] MVP. I thank God it happened."
–Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson Words by T. Ruiz |
It's inevitable that those NFL teams skeptical about choosing Adrian "All Day" Peterson in the 2007 Draft—due to the three injuries he obtained while playing for Oklahoma—made a definite mistake. The Minnesota Vikings' running back, who obtained a $40.5 million, five-year contract, made franchise history twice by breaking his own single-game record of 224 rushing yards (October 14), topping it with 296 rushing yards against the Chargers (Nov. 4). Of his numerous season accomplishments, Peterson also obtained The Rookie of the Month awards (September and October of '07), and both the Diet Pepsi and Associated Press Rookie of the Year awards. Despite a two game absence after suffering a lateral collateral ligament injury in his right knee against the Chargers, Peterson resurfaced with an unparalleled drive. On Dec 17, the day after his second comeback game, he was named starting NFC running back for the 2008 Pro Bowl. On February 10, 2008, the Palestine, Texas native won the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP award with 16 carries for 129 yards rushing along with two touchdowns, which led his team to a 42-30 win against the AFC. His accomplishment set the second highest rushing total tallied in Pro Bowl history. Peterson was the first rookie since Marshall Faulk in 1995 to win the Pro Bowl MVP award. "I came in with the goal to win and come out with the MVP," said Peterson in an exclusive interview with TSA report, minutes after winning the award. "I thank God that happened. I'm definitely blessed right now. I'm living the dream. It just goes to show that if you set your goals high and you do whatever it takes to accomplish those goals, anything is possible." As for the Cadillac that came with the award, with a smile that didn't diminish that afternoon, he said, "I'm going to keep it for myself. It's definitely beautiful. I would like to thank Cadillac and all of the people that voted for me." Four time Pro Bowler Jeff Garcia who acted as one of the NFC team Quarter Back's said, "He's one of those guys who I think everybody out here on this field today wishes that he was on their team during the regular season. I think everybody out here on this field today wishes that he was on their team during the regular season." In the forthcoming season, Peterson expressed his confidence in breaking his 1,341 rushing yard record achieved last season. "I don't see why I can't make 2,000 yards next season," he said when asked if he thought it was possible. "God willing that I will continue to stay healthy and take care of my body. Hopefully, I will come in next year after a Superbowl win."
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PRO BOWL TO SAY ALOHA TO HAWAII?
Paul Spinelli/SpinPhotos
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For the past 29 years, the Pro Bowl has been held at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii where each year it sells out its 50,000 seats. Although the NFL currently has a contract with the island until 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and other league officials have discussed the possibility of moving the event inland. The state currently pays the NFL $4 million per year in order to host the game, and according to state reports generates an estimated $30 million in yearly revenue. With the the Pro Bowl being such a predominant factor in the state's economy, Hawaiian officials hope to reach an agreement with the NFL. Here is what some of the 2008 Pro Bowlers had to say about saying aloha to Hawaii when Tsareport.com caught up with them in Hawaii.
New York Giants Defensive End Osi Umenyiora (2-time Pro Bowler): “ I heard that they may do it in Tampa or Orlando, some place like that. If the NFL does that, they will see people pulling out of the Pro Bowl, because people can go to Tampa or Orlando anytime. The actual journey coming out here and being on the island of Hawaii is the whole allure of the Pro Bowl, so I don't understand. “
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Terrell Owens (6-time Pro Bowler): “I don't think they can relocate it to any place better than here. I'm not sure what's going to happen. I don't know if we have a say so in it, you know Goodell he's the commissioner and you know he's in charge.”
Dallas Cowboys Corner Back Terence Newman (First-time Pro Bowler): “I don't know much about that, but if they move it I hope it's to the other side of the island or something like that so we can still get a chance to come out here.”
We, along with Hawaiian officials, anxiously await the NFL’s decision. Stay tuned to this one.
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FAMILY TIES
Paul Spinelli/SpinPhotos
Words by H.L.
After making his eighth Pro Bowl appearance this year, Peyton Manning - with his practically unparalled NFL career accolades, remained pretty humble about being selected as an AFC team member. "It was exciting, being around these great players," he said while chatting with TSAReport.com on an eighty-four degree sunny Hawaii afternoon. "You got 38 first time players over here, which I think is good for the NFL. You see how good players continue to develop in this league and it's always a fun week over here in Hawaii." His father, Archie Manning, was a Pro Bowl quarterback with the New Orleans Saints in 1978 and 1979. Last year, Manning, the first pick in the first round of 1998 NFL draft, jetted straight to Hawaii two days after quarterbacking the Colts to a Super Bowl win. This year, his younger brother Eli Manning did the same for the New York Giants who defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Although it was his brother's fourth season in the league he has yet to be selected as a Pro Bowler. "Obviously, it's an honor for me to make it and I think Eli will probably be over here many a time by the time his career is over," he said. "I think he's well-deserving and he'll be over here in years to come." Manning passed 147 yards in the game, however his AFC team lost to the NFC with a final score of 30-42.
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THE U.S. VERSUS MICHAEL VICK
Column by Dave K. Far-El
I would like to take the time to look at the Michael Vick situation from a different perspective. If one is to take the media’s perspective, we are supposed to be upset with Mike Vick because he broke the law by sponsoring dog fights? Or are we to be upset with Mike Vick for his cruelty to animals? Or are we supposed to be upset for both reasons? Regardless, if we examine the circumstances surrounding Mike Vick, we may see that maybe − just maybe − we are judging Mike Vick as a human a bit harshly compared to the “crime.” If we are to be upset because the law was broken then we all may be hypocrites. Especially considering that U.S. laws are contradictory at best. We’ve all broken the law whether it’s jaywalking, speeding or worse. The only difference is, most of us didn’t get caught and are not famous. We are suppose to despise Mike Vick because he fought dogs; not rape, racism or child molestation. According to “the law”, one can grab a big gun, hide behind a bush and blow an unsuspecting deer’s guts out, hang it’s head on the wall, and call it “sport.” A horse can break it’s leg during the Breeder’s Cup and it will be put to death simply because it is no longer useful as a racehorse and that is okay by society’s standards. At least the dogs stood a 50/50 chance of survival, what chance do the animals have when it comes to “legal” hunting? NONE. Don’t forget that this is the same country that honors it’s forefathers like George Washington, Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson and they all owned, sold, raped and traded slaves. Slaves were human beings during that time in case we’ve forgotten. To this day, I have yet to hear anyone call any of America’s forefathers out of their character for their past infringements against other humans. After looking at it from this perspective, is Mike Vick still a savage for dog fighting? I don’t know.
If we are to be upset because he killed dogs, then why not use Mike Vick as a platform to stop ALL animal cruelty. Whether it’s lab rats, fur for clothing and on and on. Why not stop major stores like PETCO from euthanizing thousands of dogs and cats a week. They say it is to curb overpopulation. It seems to me that they are simply killing animals. We have not even taken into account what Mike Vick has accomplished for the poor and disenfranchised with his charity work. We are conveniently ignoring what positive light Mike Vick brought back to the once morbid Atlanta Falcons franchise; he made them relevant again. By attacking the person, we are acting as if Mike Vick does not have a mother, or a family that loves and support him. By attacking Mike Vick the person as opposed to his actions we are ignoring the possible message in regards to animal cruelty. By attacking the person, the public is missing the point in this whole tragic affair.
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TSA BLURBS
I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was arrested and charged with aggravated battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. According to police reports, McKinnie spit on the face of a bouncer outside of Club Space, shoved a camera phone into his face and picked up a heavy pole used to line up patrons and slammed it over his head in front of a large crowd. The incident started when the 28-year old was thrown out of the nightclub. · Larry Martin Demery, 32, was sentenced to life in prison in the July 1993 shooting death of James Jordan, late father of Michael Jordan. Demery also was sentenced to 40 years for a pair of robberies earlier in the month. Attorney Hugh Rogers said the sentences were to be served concurrently, but the state Department of Correction has incorrectly recorded them as consecutive sentences. If the sentences were served concurrently, Demery could seek parole after 20 years in prison, Rogers said. · Cable TV giant Comcast and the NFL Network must return to court to determine the kind of viewing package in which Comcast can put onthe network. A state appeals court voted 4-0 to reverse a lower court ruling that allowed Comcast to distribute NFL Network games on a niche sports tier rather than a larger digital package with more viewers. · Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was arrested after police said they found cocaine and a handgun in a pickup truck during a traffic stop. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance. · Golf professional Tripp Isenhour was charged in a Florida court with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird during the filming of a golf instructional video. Tripp has publicly apologized and has expressed remorse and regret for his actions.
LETS TALK SPORTS
Brian Gay held on to capture his first career PGA title. Gay carded a 1-under-par 69 in the final round to win the $3.5 million Mayakoba Classic. · After passing a $121 million package to upgrade a downtown arena and build an NBA practice facility, Oklahoma City appeared to be moving closer to securing its first major pro sports franchise. However, NBA owners still have to vote in mid-April on whether the Seattle SuperSonics can relocate to Oklahoma City, but even that won’t settle the issue. A trial is scheduled for June in which a federal judge will rule on whether the SuperSonics can break their lease before it ends in 2010. · Terrell Suggs filed a grievance against the Baltimore Ravens over whether he should be classified as a defensive end or a linebacker, a dispute in which $814,000 is at stake. Suggs wants to receive the $8.879 million one-year salary for the defensive end franchise tag designation. The Ravens assigned Suggs the $8.065 million franchise tag for linebackers, the average of the top five linebackers’ salaries in the NFL. · NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to crack down on spying next season with more inspections and harsher penalties. Goodell is urging tougher action on teams and employees such as unannounced inspections of locker rooms and coaches’ areas in press boxes. Loss of draft choices could be one of many possible punishments.
SPORTS BIZ
De La Hoya has bought a 25 percent share of the Dynamo soccer franchise, with his business partner Gabriel Brener purchasing an identical share. The Anschutz Entertainment Group will retain the remaining 50 percent stake, working alongside De La Hoya and Brener in operating the club. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the estimated value the Dynamo is between $40 million and $50 million. · Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga is selling 50 percent of the NFL franchise to New York real estate developer Stephen Ross. According to Huizenga, Ross would pay half of the price of the Dolphins which he said was $1.1 billion. Under the agreement Huizenga will remain the Managing General Partner of the franchise although Ross could take control at a later date. · Former two-division champion Ricky Hatton signed with Golden Boy Promotions.
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Some of the information provided is courtesy of AP, Reuters, and, Ticker. |
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