Charger Girl Auditions Begin April 3

The San Diego Charger Girls are holding open auditions on Sunday, April 3 at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion.  Registration and check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m., followed by a preliminary dance audition at 10 a.m.

 

The day-long dance audition welcomes more than 400 hopefuls annually from across the nation and overseas, each of which seek 28 coveted positions. The Charger Girls are known as one of professional sports’ most talented and respected cheer and dance teams.

 

Applications are only available online at www.chargers.com and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application along with a $20 registration fee should be submitted via mail or hand-delivered no later than March 30 for pre-registration status. Women are encouraged to send a 5x7 (or larger) headshot and/or full body shot with their application. Walk-ups will be accepted at the door with a $25 registration fee. Please make check or money order payable to e2k Sports.  

 

            Applicants are required to wear a two-piece leotard and flesh colored tights/hosiery as well as jazz, dance or athletic shoes. Applicants should arrive early and bring plenty of fluids and a light snack.

 

Judges will be looking for the brightest young talent with dance ability, crowd appeal and showmanship. Finalists can expect an interview and final dance audition during the week following the audition.

 

Team members must have flexible schedules for twice-weekly rehearsals, games and public appearances prior to and during the season. 

 

                For more information, visit www.chargers.com.

Bay Area Anchor Famous For Singletary Interview Gets The Boot

Maybe you've heard about the infamous live interview 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary did recently with KPIX sports anchor Dennis O'Donnell. In case you haven't seen the video, you should watch it below.

Having just recently viewed the video myself, I felt the need to voice my opinions here.

I think what Singletary did to O'Donnell on the air was completely uncalled for and downright disrespectful. But beyond that, for O'Donnell to be removed from that special segment is even more ridiculous in my mind.

Not only were O'Donnell's questions timely and topical in wake of a recent Yahoo! Sports article, he was giving Singletary a chance to set the record straight in the team's special segment on KPIX's newscast, which I'm sure is where 49ers fans expect to get the most direct information regarding the team. Even if Singletary didn't know or respect that, he's certainly aware of the money the station pays for that access. And for that reason, he should have been more cooperative during O'Donnell's interview.

Being a sportscaster myself, I just hate the idea that the station and team executives didn't do what was right and have Singletary apologize to O'Donnell. Instead, as we often see in Corporate America, KPIX station execs seemed to bend over backwards to appease the 49ers. It seems as though being a slave to the almighty dollar supersedes doing the right thing.

Chargers Announce Open Training Camp Practices

San Diego – Fans of the four-time defending AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers will once again enjoy the sights and sounds of Training Camp beginning with the first of 11 open practices on Sunday, August 1 at 4 pm. 

Chargers Training Camp is always a memorable experience for fans of all ages.  It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s leading franchises in action.  Bleacher seating is available for outstanding views of the entire practice field. Concession stands will offer plenty of food and beverage choices along with the latest Chargers merchandise and apparel.  Hats and sunscreen are recommended.  Beach chairs, coolers, snacks, soft drinks and water are allowed.  Alcoholic beverages, video cameras, pets and weapons of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

Parking around Chargers Park is limited. On weekdays, parking is available on the west side of Murphy Canyon Rd. as well as behind the Holiday Inn south of Chargers Park.  For weekend practices, parking is also available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.

The team will hold two open practices at Qualcomm Stadium: Wednesday, Aug. 4 (7-9:20 pm) and the team’s annual FanFest, presented by Bud Light, on Saturday, Aug. 7. FanFest will be another big day for Chargers fans.  Players will be signing autographs for fans 14 and under beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a performance by the Charger Girls and a practice from 11-1 p.m.  Nearly 10,000 fans annually attend the team’s most popular and FREE training camp event.

The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Chicago Bears (Aug. 14) and Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 21).  Tickets may be purchased by logging onto www.Chargers.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the Ticket Office located at Gate C at the stadium. 

Chargers 2010 season tickets also are on sale.  They can be purchased by calling 877-CHARGERS, visiting www.Chargers.com or stopping by the Chargers’ ticket office, open Monday through Friday from 8-5 pm.

Open Training Camp Practices* & Other Important Dates



Sun.     Aug. 1         4-6 p.m.  (FIRST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Mon.    Aug. 2         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 3         4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 4         7-9:20 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium

Thur.    Aug. 5         4-6 p.m.

Fri.       Aug. 6         4-6 p.m.

Sat.      Aug. 7         10-1 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium (FanFest, presented by Bud Light)

Mon.    Aug. 9         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 10       4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 11       4-6 p.m.

Thur.    Aug. 12       4-6 p.m.  (LAST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Sat.      Aug. 14       PRESEASON GAME 1: Chargers vs. Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Aug. 21       PRESEASON GAME 2: Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 24       Training Camp breaks

Fri.       Aug. 27       PRESEASON GAME 3: Chargers at New Orleans Saints, 5 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 31       NFL rosters reduced to 75 players

Thur.    Sept. 2        PRESEASON GAME 4: Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 7 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Sept. 4        NFL rosters reduced to 53 players

Mon.    Sept. 13      REGULAR SEASON GAME 1: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:15 p.m. PDT



* Practice times are subject to change. Go to www.Chargers.com or call 858-874-4500 to confirm practice times.
    

 

Charger Girl auditions begin April 11

--Dancing with the Stars alum Sabrina Bryan to help judge--


The San Diego Charger Girls are holding open auditions on Sunday, April 11 at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion. Registration and check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m., followed by a preliminary dance audition starting at 10 a.m.

Actress/singer Sabrina Bryan, a former member of the multi-platinum recording group, The Cheetah Girls, and star of the hit Disney Channel movie series, The Cheetah Girls, brings her expertise to the judging table for this year’s tryouts. Bryan also recently starred on season five of Dancing with the Stars.

"Sabrina's variety of high profile dance and performance experience adds another level of expertise to the judging panel,” Chargers Girls Director Lisa Simmons said. “She is a talented entertainer and will bring with her both knowledge and notoriety that will help us produce the most talented and successful Charger Girls team ever."

The day-long dance audition has annually welcomed more than 400 hopefuls from across the nation and overseas trying out for 28 highly-coveted positions. The Charger Girls are known as one of professional sports’ most talented and respected cheer and dance teams.

Applications are only available on-line at www.chargers.com and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application along with a $20 registration fee should be submitted via mail or hand-delivered no later than April 7 for pre-registration status. Women are encouraged to send a 5x7 (or larger) headshot and/or full-body shot with their application. Walk-ups will be accepted at the door with a $25 registration fee. Please make check or money order payable to e2k Sports.

Applicants are required to wear a two-piece leotard and flesh colored tights/hosiery as well as jazz, dance or athletic shoes. Applicants should arrive early, bring plenty of fluids and a light snack.

Judges will be looking for the brightest young talent with dance ability, crowd appeal and showmanship. Finalists can expect an interview and final dance audition during the week following the audition.

Team members must have flexible schedules for twice-weekly rehearsals, games and public appearances prior to and during the season.

For more information about Bryan, visit her official website, http://www.sabrinabryan.com/, or contact Maria Giannini (408) 591-3147.

Tomlinson’s Time In San Diego Ends

Chargers News Release:  Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers all-time leading rusher, was released today after nine remarkable seasons in San Diego. 

Chargers President Dean Spanos met with Tomlinson today and informed his veteran running back that he is being released.

“This is a part of the business that I hate, and it’s particularly hard when you’re dealing with someone I consider a friend,” Spanos said.  “Change involving great players is never easy.  I respect LT as much or more than any player I’ve ever known.  And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do.  That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make.

“It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career.  I’m proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field. 

“No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger.  His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger.”

Tomlinson owns or shares 28 team records, including career rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.  During his nine seasons in San Diego, Tomlinson won two rushing titles (2006 and ’07), set an NFL single-season record for touchdowns in a season (31 in ’06) and racked up 12,490 rushing yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history.  He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors five times.

“I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during LT’s rookie year in 2001 and it didn’t take long to realize that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual,” Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said.  “And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title.

“LT is a true pro.  He’s one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can’t do justice to the things he’s accomplished on and off the field.”

In addition to his long list of achievements on the gridiron, Tomlinson’s tireless efforts in the community have benefitted thousands of individuals in San Diego as well as his native Texas.  In 2006, LT received the NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic efforts.

“It’s fitting that LT’s and LaTorsha’s charity is called the ‘Touching Lives Foundation’ because that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Spanos said.  “So many people have been positively affected by their generosity.  Our community has been fortunate to have them.” 

Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2001 as the fifth overall selection in the NFL Draft.  The Chargers originally held the top pick in the draft, but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who moved up to take quarterback Michael Vick.  The Chargers nervously waited as Tomlinson fell to the fifth spot where they enthusiastically brought him into their fold.

“There were a lot of eyebrows raised when we made that trade, but LT proved to be everything we thought he’d be and more,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “He’s a future Hall of Famer.  My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring.”

Tomlinson was one of 53 men recognized as the Greatest All-Time Chargers during the team’s 50th anniversary celebration last season and he was recently named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s.  His 138 career rushing touchdowns are the second most in NFL history and his 153 total touchdowns ranks third in league annals. 

“I look forward to the time when we’ll see his number retired and see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Spanos said.  “I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed being around LT and LaTorsha the last nine years.”

###

High School Football Player Refuses To Score TD--ArkansasVarsity.com

Just when I was starting to lose faith in America's collective sense of common decency, comes this story about a teenager knowing exactly the right thing to do at exactly the right moment.

ArkansasVarsity.com - Ark. player ends game with noble gesture

SPORTSbyBROOKS: Steve McNair Death Mocked by Amusement Park

As if you needed any more proof that we, as a society, are steadily losing all sense of decency, check out one of the most disrespectful Halloween displays you likely have ever seen.

SPORTSbyBROOKS: My Former Colleague Bus-Under-Throws Himself

Goddell Wants Vick To Be Success Story

STATEMENT BY NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELLON THE SIGNING OF MICHAEL VICK BY THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

"I have said several times in recent weeks that I want Michael to be one of the NFL's success stories as an individual and as a football player. I believe he can accomplish both goals with the Eagles organization which has done an outstanding job in the community and on the field these last 15 years under the direction of owner Jeffrey Lurie. I know the Eagles will provide strong support but, ultimately, Michael’s success is up to him and the decisions he makes."

NFL Announces Pro Bowl Rosters

JETS LEAD NFL WITH SEVEN PLAYERS ON PRO BOWL SQUAD; TITANS FOLLOW WITH SIX AFCers, RAVENS WITH FIVE; 17 FIRST-TIME SELECTIONS ON AFC ROSTER

The New York Jets will lead the American Football Conference’s 2009 Pro Bowl squad with an NFL-high seven players when the AFC takes on the National Football Conference All-Stars, the NFL announced today. Right behind the Jets with the most conference players are the Tennessee Titans with six and the Baltimore Ravens with five.

The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, February 8, in Honolulu, Hawaii (NBC, 4:30 PM ET).

The Jets’ seven All-Star selections – ALAN FANECA, BRETT FAVRE, KRIS JENKINS, THOMAS JONES, NICK MANGOLD, DARRELLE REVIS and LEON WASHINGTON -- are the most in team history and surpass a club-high of five following the 1982, 1985 and 1998 seasons. All seven Jets will make their first Pro Bowl appearances as representatives of New York in Hawaii. The AFC roster includes 17 first-time All-Stars, including Denver Broncos quarterback JAY CUTLER, who leads the AFC with 3,851 yards passing.

Nine-time All-Star PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts will be the starting quarterback in his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl. New York Jets quarterback BRETT FAVRE was selected to his 10th All-Star game, but his first representing the AFC. Favre ties JOHNNY UNITAS for most All-Star selections by a quarterback with 10 and he is the first Jets QB to appear in a Pro Bowl since VINNY TESTAVERDE (1998 season). In his third season, Cutler will join veterans Manning and Favre to complete the AFC’s passing attack.

The AFC’s backfield will consist of four first-timers in the Aloha State. New York’s THOMAS JONES earned the starting role at running back. Jones has set the Jets’ season record with 15 touchdowns and leads the AFC with 1,222 rushing yards. At 260 pounds, LE’ RON MC CLAIN has utilized his size by pounding his way to a career-high seven rushing touchdowns this season. The first-time All-Star will be the AFC’s representative at fullback.

Rounding out the threesome at running back will be rookie CHRIS JOHNSON of Tennessee and RONNIE BROWN of Miami. Johnson ranks second in the AFC with 1,159 rushing yards and joins EARL CAMPBELL (1978 season) as the only Oilers/Titans rookie running back to reach the Pro Bowl. A former first-round pick in 2005, Brown is the first Dolphins running back to be named to the Pro Bowl since RICKY WILLIAMS in the 2002 season.

Four receivers are named to each All-Star squad. Chosen for the AFC’s 2009 team are Houston’s ANDRE JOHNSON, who leads the NFL in receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,408). The sixth-year receiver will make his third Pro Bowl appearance. Lined up opposite from Johnson as a starter will be first-time selection BRANDON MARSHALL of Denver. Two veteran receivers will round out the AFC All-Star receiving foursome -- Indianapolis wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE and first-timer WES WELKER of New England, who ranks second in the NFL behind Johnson with 102 receptions.

Representing the AFC at tight end will be 10-time All-Star TONY GONZALEZ of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has been selected to the most Pro Bowls at the position in NFL history. In his 12th season, Gonzalez leads NFL tight ends in receptions (84), receiving yards (941) and touchdowns (8). In his sixth season, San Diego’s ANTONIO GATES has been selected to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl.

In his first year with the Jets, 11-year veteran guard ALAN FANECA will make his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl trip and will be joined at the other starting guard position by KRIS DIELMAN of San Diego, who will make his second All-Star game in back-to-back seasons. Kansas City’s BRIAN WATERS, who plays a pivotal role on a young Chiefs offensive line, has been selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl.

In his 15th season, Tennessee’s KEVIN MAWAE will start at center for the AFC in his first Pro Bowl with the Titans and seventh overall. AFC All-Star NICK MANGOLD of the Jets will be making his first Pro Bowl voyage.

Assigned to keep the pocket clean against a talented group of NFC edge rushers are a group of AFC All-Star tackles – two-timers JASON PETERS of Buffalo and JOE THOMAS of Cleveland. Budding talent MICHAEL ROOS of Tennessee will play in his first Pro Bowl.

Plugging the middle for the AFC defensive front are starting interior linemen ALBERT HAYNESWORTH of Tennessee and New York’s KRIS JENKINS. Haynesworth will record his second consecutive start and Jenkins his fourth Pro Bowl berth and first as an AFCer. Accompanying Haynesworth and Jenkins will be Cleveland’s SHAUN ROGERS, who completes a mammoth interior group for the AFC.

A trio of AFC South rushers will be on display at defensive end. MARIO WILLIAMS of Houston will make his Pro Bowl debut as a starter and will be joined by Indianapolis defensive end DWIGHT FREENEY in his fourth Pro Bowl in seven seasons with the Colts. Freeney’s teammate ROBERT MATHIS will cap off this trio with the first All-Star appearance of his six-year career.

Sacks are plentiful for the AFC’s starting outside linebackers – Miami’s JOEY PORTER ranks first in the AFC with 17.5 and JAMES HARRISON of Pittsburgh is second in the conference with 15.0. Porter will make his fourth All-Star appearance and first as a Dolphin, while Harrison settles in with his second consecutive Pro Bowl start. Joining Porter and Harrison at outside linebacker is TERRELL SUGGS, who has 7.5 sacks and two interception-touchdown returns for Baltimore.

Roaming the middle of the AFC defense will be two AFC North linebackers from the NFL’s top-two-ranked defenses -- RAY LEWIS of Baltimore and JAMES FARRIOR of Pittsburgh. In his 13th season from Miami, Lewis will start as he makes his ninth appearance in Hawaii. Farrior, the captain of the league’s No. 1 defense will appear in his second All-Star game.

Locking up coverage on the outside will be three first-time All-Stars for the AFC at cornerback. NNAMDI ASOMUGHA of Oakland and CORTLAND FINNEGAN of Tennessee will pair as the starters. Asomugha is the first Raiders cornerback since CHARLES WOODSON in 2001 to earn All-Star status. In his second NFL season, New York cornerback DARRELLE REVIS will make his Pro Bowl debut. Revis is tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions.

Two of the NFL’s elite will start at safety for the AFC. Pittsburgh’s strong safety TROY POLAMALU earns his fifth consecutive AFC All-Star berth and Ravens ball-hawking free safety ED REED is a five-time Pro Bowl choice in seven seasons. First-time Pro Bowl selection CHRIS HOPE of Tennessee will join starting safeties Polamalu and Reed.

The AFC special teams unit is comprised of four players, including two first-time Pro Bowl honorees. New York Jets kick returner LEON WASHINGTON makes his first trip to Hawaii and New England kicker STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, who leads the AFC with 124 points, will make his All-Star debut. Gostkowski is tied for first in the conference with 30 field goals. Baltimore linebacker BRENDON AYANBADEJO, who leads the Ravens with 26 special teams tackles, will serve as the AFC’s special teamer. Ayanbadejo makes his third consecutive Pro Bowl and his first with the Ravens. Concluding the special teams group will be Oakland’s veteran punter SHANE LECHLER. The four-time All-Star leads the AFC with a 48.8 average and has placed 28 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

The 42-man AFC squad is comprised of 21 offensive and 17 defensive players plus four specialists. A 43rd “need” player will be chosen by the AFC head coach and must be a cornerback, defensive end, linebacker or long snapper. The 2009 AFC coaching staff will be from the AFC Championship Game runner-up team.

The NFL is the only professional sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players in determining its All-Star teams. The consensus vote of each group counts one-third towards the total. Each team submits two ballots – those of the coach and the players with no one permitted to vote for a player on his own team. This year, nearly 85 million fan votes were cast on NFL.com.

The National Conference defeated the American Conference 42-30 last season in the Pro Bowl. The all-time series is tied 19-19.

Under terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each player on the winning Pro Bowl team receives $45,000, while each player on the losing squad earns $22,500.

MERRIMAN TO HAVE SURGERY, MISS REMAINDER OF THE SEASON

I just received this news release from the Chargers. I understand and respect Shawne Merriman's desire to play through pain, but it's something else entirely to play through injury.

I just wonder, though, if the Chargers are totally pleased with Merriman's decision or if they had rather he made this decision during training camp.

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman informed the team today that he has decided to have surgery on his knee and will miss the remainder of the 2008 season.

“Shawne informed me he did not feel right (on the field) and thought it best to shut it down,” said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. “The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.”

The Chargers are expected to place Merriman on “Reserve-Injured” later this week.

Merriman To Play Despite Two Torn Knee Ligaments

I have to admit, I am a bit shocked by this announcement. I do not know Shawne Merriman personally, nor do I cover the Chargers on a regular basis. So I don't have any inside information as to what led up to this decision. However, I am an expert on knee injuries, having undergone 3 of them myself.

I just find it hard to imagine Merriman being able to play effectively on such an unstable knee. Football is all about speed and force, making your knees two of your most valuable assests.

Here's hoping that Merriman is not only making the right decision, but that his knee holds up to the pressure and expectations.

Jay Glazer

FOXSports.com

It appears the Chargers will have their main defensive lightning bolt after all.

Pro Bowl defensive end Shawne Merriman has informed the team that he will play this season despite having two torn knee ligaments, Merriman told FOXSports.com.

"I know what's at stake," Merriman said Wednesday. "But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I'm sticking to it."

When asked how sure he was about playing, Merriman replied, "100 percent."

Merriman has a torn PCL and LCL in his left knee, but has postponed the surgery necessary to deal with those issues. He sought the opinion of several noted specialists in the last week. While all of them recommended surgery, the decision was ultimately left to the player.

"I'm putting the surgery off until I need it," he said.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8495712/Merriman-to-play-despite-2-torn-ligaments

ANTONIO GATES AMONG NFL PLAYERS LEADING NFL PLAY 60 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Campaign Helps Kids Get Moving As Part of Youth Health and Fitness Campaign

DREW BREES and ELI MANNING are used to calling plays on the field. This season, they also will be helping kids call the shots when it comes to their health as part of the NFL’s new public service announcements. Joined by Chargers tight end ANTONIO GATES, the players are working with youngsters as part of NFL PLAY 60: The NFL Movement for an Active Generation, which focuses on the health and wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning of the New York Giants filmed his PSA with children from the St. Vincent’s Hospital system during a special visit to the Meadowlands in New York. Manning treated his guests to a tour of the Giants locker room and home field, and then helped them get active through warm-ups and a series of football drills.

“The health and fitness of our youth continues to be a priority for the NFL, and it’s important to me,” said New Orleans Saints quarterback Brees, who took to the water to film his PSA accompanied by 30 children from local hospitals. The annual “Brees on the Seas” fishing event, organized by the Brees Dream Foundation, enabled children to fish with Brees and his teammates and explore the great outdoors in Louisiana. The day culminated in a game of backyard football.

Vikings Pro Bowl player Adrian Peterson joined his teammates and 40 Special Olympians for his PSA at a special Punt, Pass and Kick event. The event was made possible by the Vikings and Peterson's All-Day Foundation. After watching the Vikings practice, the Special Olympians got the chance to take the field themselves, practicing drills with Peterson and participating in the PPK competition.

Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL’s long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations — Action for Healthy Kids, Ad Council, American Heart Association, Gatorade, Home Depot, Kellogg’s, National Dairy Council, Nickelodeon, Nike, United Way, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to these national PSAs produced by NFL Films, PLAY 60 also will be implemented locally as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs, from youth football to “What Moves U.”

This season’s new United Way NFL messages also focus on youth health and fitness. SANTANA MOSS of the Washington Redskins, BOB SANDERS of the Indianapolis Colts, and DONTE WHITNER of the Buffalo Bills all get physically fit with kids and emphasize the importance of good health. The United Way PSAs debut on August 14.

Other players involved in NFL Play 60 include: ADRIAN PETERSON (Minnesota Vikings); GARY BAXTER (Cleveland Browns); TOM BRADY (New England Patriots); REGGIE BUSH (New Orleans Saints); ROBERTO GARZA (Chicago Bears); STEVEN JACKSON (St. Louis Rams), and TONY ROMO and JASON WITTEN (Dallas Cowboys). New York Jets COACH ERIC MANGINI is the official “coach motivator” for PLAY 60. His online messages on NFLRUSH.com will encourage kids to get and stay healthy.

“We are taking a leadership role in the movement to get youngsters fit. Our players know the importance of staying healthy and it’s important that young fans also understand the value of exercise,” said COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL. “Play 60 is an important tool in ensuring that children get their necessary daily physical activity as recommended by health and fitness experts.”

Kids and parents can learn more on NFLRUSH.com.


# # #

FIRST FULL PRESEASON WEEKEND

TWO GAMES ON NATIONAL TV; EVERYBODY’S READY!

Finally -- the other guys!

After two weeks of going against teammates in training camp, all NFL clubs this weekend will be able to see a real, live -- opponent!

It’s the first full weekend of NFL preseason football, bookended by nationally televised games on Thursday and Monday nights.

“Definitely, you look forward to getting a different matchup,” says quarterback ELI MANNING, whose New York Giants this Thursday will get the first taste of an opponent (Detroit) since defeating New England in Super Bowl XLII last February. “We’ve been going against the same guys for a long time, so it’ll be good to see a live defense. You’ll be able to make some plays and celebrate the good plays.”

All that playmaking and celebrating comes this week packed with interesting storylines:

NEW ORLEANS AT ARIZONA (Thursday, ESPN, 8:00 PM ET): Brees wants to get it perfect. Leinart wants to get it going.

They’ll both spend the preseason attempting to do so.

New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES, who has completed the most passes for the most yards in the NFL over the past two years, thinks there is always room for improvement -- by him and his team, which wants to get back to the playoffs.

“We always feel like we can do a better job,” says Brees. “I think we’re our toughest critic.”

Brees’ counterpart, Arizona’s MATT LEINART, returns from a broken collarbone suffered last October. He has spent camp perfecting head coach KEN WHISENHUNT’s offense, a process that was interrupted last season.

“He’s a lot more comfortable, a lot more familiar with the offense,” says Arizona quarterback coach JEFF RUTLEDGE. “When he gets in the huddle, you can sense that confidence, you can sense that leadership,”

CINCINNATI at GREEN BAY (Monday, ESPN, 8:00 PM ET): The AARON RODGERS era begins. And the CARSON PALMER quest continues.

For Green Bay, it will be the first outing as starting quarterback for Rodgers, the club’s first-round draft choice of 2005. Head coach MIKE MC CARTHY will give the Cal grad plenty of playing time this summer, starting him in all four preseason games.

“We’ve talked about possibly playing our starters a little longer than usual in the preseason,” says the coach. “And that is our plan with Aaron.”

The Bengals want to get things back to where they were in 2005, when they went 11-5 and won the AFC North. They think they are on the way with a No. 10 finish in total offense last season and a No. 7 in passing.

Cincinnati has added to quarterback CARSON PALMER’s top-flight receiving corps headed by CHAD JOHNSON and T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH and will use the preseason to work in the newcomers.

The Bengals signed tight end BEN UTECHT from Indianapolis to strengthen their passing game down the middle, and rookie wideouts ANDRE CALDWELL and JEROME SIMPSON have been strong in camp and will see plenty of action starting Monday.

AMONG OTHER INTERESTING GAMES THIS WEEK:

NEW YORK GIANTS at DETROIT: Super Bowl champ Giants get their first taste of ’08 action where they were so successful last year – on the road. New York won an NFL single-season record 10 consecutive away games, including in the playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO at OAKLAND: Quarterbacks battle on one team, and one gets ready on the other. For the 49ers, it’s a three-way competition to see who will start among SHAUN HILL, J.T. O’SULLIVAN and ALEX SMITH. “The quarterback position is open,” says Niners head coach MIKE NOLAN. “Whoever gives us the best chance to win is the guy.”

For the Raiders, it’s all JA MARCUS RUSSELL, the No. 1 overall draft choice of 2007 who has been declared the starter by head coach LANE KIFFIN.

BALTIMORE at NEW ENGLAND: Clubs who staged one of ’07’s most memorable games meet again. Who can forget that chilly Monday-nighter last December 3 when the Ravens came close to breaking the Pats’ unbeaten streak at 11 games but were done in by a TOM BRADY-to-JABAR GAFFNEY TD pass with 44 seconds left to pull out a 27-24 victory?

SEATTLE at MINNESOTA: Vikings fans get a chance to see ’07 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year ADRIAN PETERSON tune up at RB, while the Seahawks will trot out their new RB tandem of MAURICE MORRIS and newcomer JULIUS JONES, fresh from Dallas.

ATLANTA at JACKSONVILLE: First action of the season for the Falcons’ first-round draft choice, QB MATT RYAN. His counterpart with the Jags, DAVID GARRARD, won the starting job last year with a stellar preseason (113.4 passer rating). “It’s a proven fact that you can win a job in preseason,” says Garrard.

INDIANAPOLIS at CAROLINA: QBs big here, too. Colts will give more work to JIM SORGI (7-for-10 for 66 yards in Indy’s opening drive in Sunday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game). Returning-from-injury Panthers QB JAKE DELHOMME is ready to get things started. “It’s awesome to have your leader back under center,” says Carolina TE JEFF KING. “Blue-collar” Panthers – with Delhomme, BRETT BASANEZ, MATT MOORE and LESTER RICARD – are only team in NFL whose quarterbacks are all undrafted.

DALLAS at SAN DIEGO: These guys want to go even further! Meeting of ’07 playoff teams -- Divisional Playoff Cowboys and Championship Game Chargers.

So it’s time to match up with a “real opponent.” “I think the games are the real tests,” says JIM ZORN, victorious (30-16) in the Hall of Fame Game in his first outing as head coach of the Washington Redskins. “We can evaluate on the practice field but you’ve got to see how that translates onto the field during a game.”

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THE “BULLET BILL” RECORD: The Washington Redskins were big last weekend at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio: two of their stars (DARRELL GREEN and ART MONK) were inducted and they won the Hall of Fame Game.

And then there was mention of another Redskins Hall of Famer -- “BULLET BILL” DUDLEY, the oldest (86) Hall of Fame member on hand for the weekend. Fifty-five years ago, Dudley retired after a nine-year NFL career as a halfback-defensive back, playing his last three seasons with Washington. An improbable NFL record he set still stands, and may never be broken. It was cited by JOHN MADDEN on the Colts-Redskins’ Sunday night telecast.

Dudley, a first-round draft choice in 1942 by Pittsburgh out of Virginia, scored an incredible nine different ways in his nine years -- on a rush, reception, kickoff return, punt return, interception, fumble recovery, lateral (yes, that was considered a scoring play in 1946), extra point and field goal.
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NFL TEAMS IMPLEMENT FAN CODE OF CONDUCT

It's about damn time!

The NFL and all 32 NFL clubs have created a fan code of conduct to help promote a positive fan environment at NFL stadiums, it was announced today.

The fan code of conduct is designed to set clear expectations and encourage a stadium environment that is enjoyable for all fans. Teams may add additional provisions to the standard code based on local circumstances or preferences. Each team will communicate its code of conduct during the preseason to season-ticket holders and fans through mailings, online, and in-stadium signage, and other messages.

“The in-stadium experience is critically important to the NFL, our clubs and our fans and it will be a major focus this season,” said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “We are committed to improving the fan experience in every way we can -- from the time fans arrive in the parking lot to when they depart the stadium. We want everyone to be able to come to our stadiums and enjoy the entire day.”

The code of conduct is intended to address behavior that detracts from the gameday experience. Any fan in violation of these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund and loss of ticket privileges for future games.

In addition to the fan code of conduct, the NFL and its clubs will evaluate fan feedback and existing programs to ensure their effectiveness and shape the development of new programs.

These measures are designed to build on the many outstanding programs already in place at NFL stadiums to enhance the fan experience.

FAN CODE OF CONDUCT

“The National Football League and its teams are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all fans, both in the stadium and in the parking lot. We want all fans attending our games to enjoy the experience in a responsible fashion. When attending a game, you are required to refrain from the following behaviors:

· Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature
· Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior
· Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures
· Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field)
· Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel
· Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans

“Event patrons are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons occupying their seats. Stadium staff will promptly intervene to support an environment where event patrons, their guests, and other fans can enjoy the event free from the above behavior. Event patrons and guests who violate these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund and loss of ticket privileges for future games.”

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USC/UCLA College Football Previews Debut This Weekend on FSN Prime Ticket

Rick Neuheisel Speaks with FSN PRIME TICKET This Friday at 11 PM;
USC Coaches Pete Carroll and Rocky Seto Share Their Thoughts Saturday at 10:30 PM

Los Angeles – FSN PRIME TICKET prepares Southern California college football fans for the upcoming season with two, half-hour Pac-10 football preview shows. The UCLA Preview Show debuts Friday, August 1 at 11:00 PM. The USC Preview Show airs Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 PM. Both programs follow “Dodgers Live” featuring Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks post-game analysis.

The UCLA Preview Show features Rick Neuheisel as he sits down with host and Pac-10 football reporter Michael Eaves to discuss his inaugural season as Head Coach of the Bruins and first-year UCLA Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow. Eaves also provides an in-depth look at the team and position battles as the team enters two-a-day practices. Special features include highly touted middle linebacker Reggie Carter and hearing impaired true freshman Derrick Coleman.

Host and Pac-10 football reporter Lindsay Soto provides viewers with a preview of the 2008 USC squad and a closer look at the team’s Spring Game performance during Saturday’s USC Preview Show. Features include Head Coach Pete Carroll in a sit-down interview with FSN PRIME TICKET reporter Patrick O’Neal and a profile on Secondary Coach Rocky Seto, one of only a few Japanese American football coaches in NCAA Division I football today.

Concluding each Preview Show, Pac-10 football analyst Petros Papadakis delivers his season outlook for both UCLA and USC.

About FSN PRIME TICKET
FSN PRIME TICKET and its sister network, FSN WEST, have provided local sports coverage to Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii for over 20 years. Together, FSN PRIME TICKET and FSN WEST present more live, local sports programming than any other network or broadcast system in the market, producing over 700 live sporting events and telecast 5,000 hours of original programming every year. For complete national and regional sports news, provocative opinions, telecast schedules and updated statistics, log-on to www.foxsports.com.


-- FSN PRIME TICKET --

Chiefs TE Gonzalez Saves Man’s Life In Restaurant

Check out this Associated Press story about Tony Gonzalez saving a man's life. We often refer to professional athletes as heroes. I think this is a case of it actually being true.

By DOUG TUCKER, AP Sports Writer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—A California man says Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs kept him from choking to death.

“Tony saved my life. There’s no doubt,” Ken Hunter, a shipping company manager, told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Huntington Beach, Calif.

“Tony came up behind me and gave me the Heimlich maneuver. Thank God he was there.”

Gonzalez, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who has set numerous NFL records, was having dinner with his wife, brother and 5-week-old daughter at Capone’s restaurant in Huntington Beach Thursday night. Hunter, 45, was dining with his girlfriend at the next table when suddenly a piece of meat stuck in his throat.

“I tried to take a drink of water, but I couldn’t swallow,” Hunter told The AP. “Then I couldn’t breathe. That’s a terrible feeling. I couldn’t breathe. Then I guess I started to panic.”

Gonzalez, sitting with his back to Hunter’s table, looked around when he heard Hunter’s companion yelling.

“She was screaming, `He can’t breathe, he can’t breathe,”’ Gonzalez said by phone from California, where he lives in the offseason. “The whole restaurant was quiet. Nobody was doing anything.”

Then I saw he was turning blue. Everybody in the restaurant was just kind of sitting there wide-eyed.”

The 6-foot-5 Gonzalez, about a foot taller than Hunter, jumped out of his chair and came up behind the stricken man and began to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

“After just a few seconds, the piece of meat popped out,” Hunter said. “I could breathe again. It’s a good thing Tony is so tall because I had stood up— I think.”

Diana Martin, a restaurant employee, said no one else seemed to know what to do.

“He was so lucky Tony was there,” Martin said. “In a situation like that, every second counts. It helped a lot that Tony’s a big, strong guy because you have to be able to apply some pretty good pressure. I don’t think I would have been strong enough to help him.”

Hunter went into the restroom to clean up and didn’t realize he’d been saved by a famous athlete until he came out.

“I’m a big NFL fan and I recognized him right away. I was still kind of dazed when I went over and thanked him and said, `What can I do for you?’ I guess I said it about 1,000 times.”

Gonzalez, who has been active in charity and community activities during a brilliant career with the Chiefs, said he had no intention of having the incident become public.

“The next night I had a dinner for my grandmother’s 90th birthday, and people were saying, `Why didn’t you tell me about that?’ I honestly don’t want to make a big deal out of it. But of course it does give me a lot of satisfaction to know that I was able to help somebody.”

One of the most productive receivers in pro football history, Gonzalez holds the NFL record for tight ends with 820 career receptions and 102 catches in a season. He needs only 79 more yards receiving to become the career leader among tight ends.

He has never received any formal instruction in the Heimlich maneuver.

“I had seen it done, so I just did it,” Gonzalez said. “When you find yourself in those situations where you have to take action in a crucial situation, you just do it. I got the same feeling I get when I go on a hospital visit.”’

Hunter is a lifelong fan of the San Diego Chargers, one of Kansas City’s key rivals in the AFC West, and plans to be at the game when the Chiefs visit the Chargers on Nov. 9.

“I’m Tony’s No. 1 fan now,” he said.

And what will this longtime follower of the Chargers do if they’re ahead by four or five points in the final minute and Gonzalez runs into the end zone and leaps up for what would be the game-winning touchdown for K.C.?

“I’m going to be yelling for Tony to catch the ball,” Hunter said. “I think all my friends will understand.”

Courtesy: Associated Press

Brett Favre: Retired or not?

Let me preface my following comments with this statement: I really don't care if Brett Favre stays retired or comes back to play for the Packers this season. I truly and honestly don't. He's a grown-ass man and he can do whatever he wants.

But having said that, I do have a problem with the media's--especially ESPN's-- utter infatuation with this man. I mean, some people are treating Favre's impending comeback as though it were Jesus Christ rolling back that stone on Easter Sunday. If Favre does indeed play again this season, will he get a holiday named after him leading people to get dressed up in their Sunday best for a game?

Yes, he's one of the game's all-time greats. Without question. But he hasn't won a Super Bowl since 1997. His last Super Bowl appearance came in 1998. His run of 3 consecutive MVP awards stopped more than 11 years ago. He's come close to getting back to the Super Bowl in recent years, but so have Drew Brees and Jake Plummer, and Rex Grossman and Matt Hasselbeck actually got there. So what exactly does that say?

He's just another Hall of Fame football player hoping to make sure his decision to leave the game is one he won't regret. He wants to be certain he's ready to leave when he actually leaves. So while he battles with this emotional, life-altering choice, give the man some space. If you stop crowding him demanding a definite yes or no, he might actually give you what you want-- one more year!