Happy Homecoming!!

First off, congrats to Donovan McNabb on having a wonderful visit to Philadelphia. I am sure that it was everything he had hoped for.

Second, WOW REDSKINS!!! I am a huge redskins fan. But even I have to be a little less positive. If Michael Vick would not have left the ball game with a rib and chest injury early in the first quarter, it would have been a totally different ball game. The Eagles almost beat the 'Skins WITHOUT Vick! Jason Avant caught the football in the end zone and then for whatever reason just let it go! It hit him in the hands!! Lucky break for the Redskins!

Kevin Kolb played one of the worst games I've ever seen a quarterback play. That being said, he still gave the Eagles a chance to win!! A number of times he should have chucked the ball down field for DeSean Jackson and instead threw it underneath the coverage to LeSean McCoy. McCoy had over 100 yards receiving for the game.

The Redskins need to learn how to play both halves of a football game. They put up 17 points in the first half and held the Eagles to only 6 points. Then they get the ball to start the second half. Step on the accelerator run them into the dirt!! But no. The Redskins offense was almost non-existent for much of the second half. The Redskins almost gave away another game because of a poor second half performance. You can credit the defense for standing firm and stopping the Eagle offense when they had to.

In the words of Bill Cowher "so what if we won ugly." Those words have never been so true. After 4 weeks of play the Redskins are 2-2 and sit 2-0 in the NFC East. Who cares how many non-division teams they beat. They could go 6-10 and still win the NFC East and make the playoffs. Up next for the Redskins is the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field next Sunday.

Haynesworth Passes!!

ESPNs Adam Schefter reports that Redskins defensive tackle has finally passed his conditioning test. He should now be able to practice with the team. This should come as a relief to Dan Snyder as he now does not have to go to practice and watch his $100 million dollar investment sit on the sideline.

Haynesworth...

For the third straight day Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth skipped his conditioning test because of his "sore knee". Personally, I think he tried to walk up the stairs and that's what made it sore! I am sick and tired of "Fat" Albert Haynesworth. Mike Golic, from ESPN, took the test 2 days ago on Sports Center. He passed! Mike Golic played in the NFL at least 7 years ago!! Let's face it Albert, the only way for you to escape Mike Shanahan, is to retire. So do us all a favor, either man up and take the test or retire and leave all of us Redskins fans at peace. We don't need you.

A-Rod Hit No. 600

Exactly 3 years after Alex Rodriguez hit home run number 500 of his career, he hit home run number 600. In the bottom of the first, 2 outs, 1 man on, A-Rod blasted one off pitcher Shaun Marcum into center field. A-Rod said after the game that "it was a relief just to put it behind me". A-Rods career will always have an asterisk next to it because of the accusations of steroid abuse. But for right now, I think everyone should let A-Rod have his moment. He is the youngest player ever to 600 home runs.

News and Notes from the NFL

Cardinals and top draft pick, Dan Williams (DT), have agreed to a 5-year deal.

Jaguars and top draft pick, Tyson Alualu (DT), have agreed to a 5-year deal worth $28 million.

Albert Haynesworth has yet again failed his conditioning test. This time, however, he never even finished! He quit! He stopped running after 3 back-and-forth sprints. He told reporters that he felt some "irritation" in his left knee.

Off To Italy!!!

Former Villanova star, Scottie Reynolds, has signed a one-year contract with Prima Veroli. Reynolds was invited by the Phoenix Suns to attend their summer league program. According to Reynolds' agent, the financial side of the deal "blew us out of the water". This won't be the last time we hear from Scottie Reynolds. After playing and maturing in Italy, Scottie will be back and better than ever in the USA.

News and Notes from the NFL

Albert Haynesworth will take yet another day off from his conditioning test to rest his legs. Big surprise.

Adam Schefter reports that the San Diego Chargers and first round draft pick Ryan Mathew (RB) are close to a deal.

New York Jets cornerback, Darrelle Revis, is reportedly holding out of training camp. He is considered an official hold-out at 5:30 pm today. Once he is official, he is subject to a $16,000 a day fine for the days he will miss.

Some good news for the New England Patriots, Wes Welker has been cleared to play and will return to practice today.

No. 600 will have to wait

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been scratched from today's lineup. Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, wants to keep A-Rod "fit and strong".

TO to the Jets?

The New York Jets have expressed interest in Terrell Owens. While it looks like the Bengals are the clear front runners, this throws a "wrench" in TOs decision. Does he go to a seasoned veteran, Carson Palmer, in Cincy, or does he go to the up and coming star, Mark Sanchez, in NY? Both teams are playoff caliber teams. Which ever one gets TO will become a HUGE threat in the postseason. The chances of the Jets signing TO? Slim, but, you never know.

TO and Ochocinco...Together?!

The St. Louis Rams are not persuing star wideout Terrell Owens. The Cinncinati Bengals, however, are. Carson Palmer has now expressed interest in aquiring Owens. The Bengals have discussed a deal with Terrell Owens. If TO deos go to Cincy, I think (if little TO learns to share with little Chad) the Bengals will become a threat to go deep into the post season.

Growing Pains

It only gets worse for Dez Bryant. Not only did he lose the respect of the ENTIRE league for not carrying Roy Williams pads, but he also lost his deal with Under Armour. The sports wear company insists that it has nothing to do with Bryant refusing to carry Williams pads. According to NFL.com, the moment Bryant stepped onto the practice field a month ago, he's been sporting Nike gloves and shoes.
"Under Armour and Dez Bryant agreed to mutually part ways," stated an Under Armour official.
*Quote from NFL.com

More Pain for USC

As if the whole Reggie Bush thing wasn't enough for the University of Southern California, they are now being sued. That's right, I said it, sued. Two days after the football program announced Kennedy Pola becoming the offensive coordinator, Polas former team, the Tennessee Titans, are now suing Lane Kiffin and USC. They are suing Kiffin and USC for "maliciously luring away" the assistant. As you may recall, Jeff Fisher, Titans head coach, was unhappy with the way Kiffin pursued and signed Pola. In my opinion, this is down right hilarious. This is what our world is coming to! The Tennessee Titans (an NFL team!) is SUING a college football program for "maliciously luring away" one of their coaches. This one ought to be good!

T.O. AND Ochocinco?

There are two teams that have kept in contact with Terrell Owens agent, the Rams and the Bengals. While it is not certain where T.O. will go, Chad Ochocinco thinks he has a say in it. Ochocinco told reports that Owens should come to Cincy so the two of them could be "batman and robin." If Chad gets his wish, then the question becomes....who's batman and who's robin?
*Story Courtesy of NFL.COM

Pola to Coach USC RBs

The USC Trojans hire running backs coach Kennedy Pola as Offensive Coordinator. Pola was the running backs coach for the Tennessee Titants. Jeff Fisher, Titans Head Coach, is very disappointed in the "professionalism" not shown by Lane Kiffin, USC Head Coach. Fisher told The Tennessean:
"I am very disappointed in Lane Kiffin's approach to this. Typically speaking, when coaches are interested in hiring or discussing potential employment from coaches on respective staffs there is a courtesy call made from the head coach or athletic director indicating there is an interest in talking to the assistant. So I am very disappointed in the lack of professionalism on behalf of Lane, to call me and leave me a voicemail after Kennedy had informed me he had taken the job. It is just a lack of professionalism."

The Titans plan to promote from within for replacing Pola.

*Story Courtesy of ESPN.COM

Lynch and Marshall on the Trade Block?

That's right! Marshawn Lynch and Brandon Marshall have had their names thrown around in possible trade rumors. Both players have had "off the field issues" with both of their teams. Keep an eye on this. Negotiations will go right up until draft day.

2 More Punch Their Ticket

2 more big time college basketball stars declare for the draft:

From Mississippi:

• Terrico White (has not hired an agent. basically "testing the waters.")

From Georgia Tech:

• Freshman: Derrick Favors (projected top 5 pick)

Skipping School

2 more top players from college basketball have entered their names in the NBA Draft:

From Nevada:

• Junior: Armon Johnson

From Georgia Tech:

• Freshman: Derrick Favors

Haynesworth Out in DC?

The Washington Redskins are open to trade away Albert Haynesworth. A few teams are interested in Haynesworth:

1. Lions
2. Bucs
3. Titans
4. Jaguars

The end of this debacle over to trade or not to trade Haynesworth, is far from over. Do the Redskins really want to eat almost $20 mil in cap hits over him? The asking price for Haynesworth is steep, due to the cap hit. The Redskins, however, have no draft picks in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. What will they do? This Albert Haynesworth trade talk will continue all the way up until the draft. Until then, "Fat" Albert Haynesworth will be rakin' in the big money. He just got a $21 million dollar bonus last month. Like I said, its a steep price for Haynesworth.

Time to Play With the Big Boys

A few notes on NCAA Basketball regarding the draft:

From Penn State:

• Junior: Taylor Battle

From Lipscomb:

• Adnan Hodzic declares but does not hire an agent so he has the opportunity to return to school for another year.

Also, WVU's DaSean Butler had surgery done on his left knee to repair his torn ACL.

Jason Taylor a Jet?

The New York Jets gave Jason Taylor first class treatment for 2 days. They even gave him a helicopter tour of Manhattan! WHAT?! Experts think that Taylor could be using this as a way to get a bigger and better contract offer from the Miami Dolphins. Either way, this has to be a punch in the face to Jets 6th round draft pick Vernon Gohlston. Rex Ryan expected big numbers from him and now this?! To make matters worse, the always annoying Jets fan, "Fireman Ed", was quoted telling the Daily News:

"He's a meat head. It's hilarious," Fireman Ed said. "Let's be real. This guy hates the Jets. He hates Jets fans more than anything. Put it this way: For him to even try to come here, it has to be two things: Nobody is bothering with him or he wants to win a championship. He wants to hop on board."

Why was "Fireman Ed" quoted by the Daily News? Whatever. Thanks Ed! Didn't know you were such an "expert"! Anyhow, this could either be the Jets attempt at persuading Taylor to sign with them, or Taylor's way of getting the Dolphins to offer him a bigger and better contract. But ask Ed, I guess he's the REAL expert.

To The Big Time!

More college basketball stars have declared for the NBA Draft:

From Texas:

• Freshman: Avery Bradley

From Oklahoma:

• Sophomore: Willie Warren

Flozell to the Redskins?

Redskins GM, Bruce Allen, told SIRUS Radio that the Redskins have contacted the agent of Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams. While it is not clear the chance of Dallas trading Adams to the Redskins...Washington has expressed interest in him. While Adams could be considered "old", he is still a good player but Washington would be smart to pick either Russel Okung, from Oklahoma St, or Trent Williams, from Oklahoma, in the upcoming draft. Again, the likelihood of the trade is uncertain, but, the Redskins have contacted Flozell Adams' agent.

Off To The NBA

Many more players of note have declared for the NBA Draft:

From Kentucky:

• Freshmen: Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, and John Wall
• Junior: Patrick Patterson

From Ohio State:

• Junior: Evan Turner

From Kansas:

• Freshman: Xavier Henry

From Xavier:

• Sophomore: Jordan Crawford (has not hired an agent and could still return for one more year)

One more NCAA basketball note: Boston College has now hired their new head basketball coach...Steve Donahue...former head coach for Cornell.

The First To Go...

Cincinnati freshman basketball player Lance Stephenson, plans to enter the NBA Draft. The Big East Rookie of the Year plans to hire an agent which will cause him to lose his NCAA eligibility.

So Long Jason...maybe

Jason Campbell is now expendable. The Redskins are currently pursuing a trade with any team that wants him, basically. The teams that appear to be at the front of the line are:

1. Bills
2. Raiders
3. Jaguars
4. Panthers
5. a mystery team

The trade will most likely include a draft going to the Redskins. Many "experts" think that it will be either a 3rd or a 4th round draft pick. Either way, with the Redskins trading away the 37th pick, they need to acquire another pick of some sorts.

I am a firm believer in the ability and potential of Jason Campbell. Any team that is willing to take him is getting a high quality player. All it takes is a little bit of patience, and lets face it...Dan Snyder as none, and Campbell will explode onto the NFL scene. Campbell has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender. Until a deal gets done, either with a trade or Campbell signs the tender, Jason Campbell will not be attending off season workouts with the Washington Redskins. Mike Shanahan and company will be pursuing the trade all the way up until draft day.

Purnell a Demon?

Oliver Purnell, former head basketball coach for the Clemson Tigers, is now the head coach for the Depaul Blue Demons. He signed a 7 year contract worth much more than the $1.6 million he was making with Clemson.

Matt Howard Is A Go

The center for the Butler Bulldogs, troubled by a concussion, has been cleared to play in tonights National Championship vs Duke, says team doctors.

Bulger out in St Louis?

Thats right! Marc Bulger has now been officially released from the Rams. What deos this mean when it comes to the draft? Look for the Rams to definitly draft a quarterback. Most likely Sam Bradford of Oklahoma. Whats next for Bulger? Who knows...the Raiders?

McNabb a Redskin?

Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskin. This trade works out well for both teams. The Redskins get a quarterback that Mike Shanahan can work with and the Eagles get the draft pick that they have always wanted. The Redskins traded away the 37th pick and possibly a 3rd or 4th round pick for this marquee QB. Kevin Kolb finally takes control of the Eagles offense. With this trade, the Redskins are sure not to make another bone-headed pick with the 4th pick in Aprils draft. We can now expect them to select:

1. Russel Okung, offensive tackle from Oklahoma St.
2. Anthony Davis, offensive tackle from Rutgers
3. Bryan Bulaga, offensive tackle from Iowa
4. Trent Williams, offensive tackle from Oklahoma

Why an offensive tackle? To protect the quarterbacks blind side. Whether its McNabb, Campbell, Grossman, or even Colt Brennan, you need to protect the quarterback in order for them to be productive.

What do the Eagles get out of this mess? They now have 11 picks in this years draft. 11! Teams only have 11 players on offense and defense respectively! They hand over the reins to their offense to a young and promising hot shot named Kevin Kolb and they have the ability to draft lineman and weapons for Kolb to throw to. The downside for the Eagles? They traded their gunslinger away to a division foe. They will see McNabb twice a season. They have since made their opponent better. Not a smart move for the Eagles.

McNabb will also be able to mentor the younger quarterbacks on the Redskins. Colt Brennan could very well become the next Aaron Rodgers. That all depends, however, on Donovan McNabbs attitude toward the situation and how Mike Shanahan and company receive him. For the time being, be proud Redskins fans and be cautious Eagles fans, both your teams have made a move that will greatly benefit one, but could greatly hurt the other.

Cinderella vs Goliath

Butler vs Duke. Cinderella vs Goliath. A movie writer could not have scripted it any better. The Butler Bulldogs take on the Duke Blue Devils six miles from the campus of Butler. The National Championship basketball game is played in Butlers' backyard!! They are the modern day Milan High School basketball team portrayed in the true story Hoosiers. Coincidence that the movie Hoosiers was filmed in Butlers gym? I do not think that there is any doubt who the crowd will be rooting for. Duke is obviously going to be out numbered in the fan vote. It's all been setup for the Bulldogs to take down Duke and write its' own Hoosier-like story. What do I predict? After watching Duke take down West Virginia the way that they did, they obviously look like the favorite, even if some 29,000 people are against them. The experience that Duke has, not only of their players, but of their coach. Coach K has been here before and he knows how to handle it. The youth of Butler has proven to be better than everybody expected. Its tough to go against such a Cinderella story. I will be rooting for Butler with all my heart. But in the end, I think the Duke Blue Devils will be the ones that come out on top. This game will not be one to stay up for. I can not remember the last NCAA Basketball Championship that was fun to watch. UNC blew out Mich St last year and Florida the years before. I don't think the trend will change. Sorry, but Cinderellas' glass shoe gets stomped on by the Duke Blue Devils. Happy Easter.

Butler Bulldogs

52-50. Butler over Michigan State. Bulldogs over The Spartans. Welcome home Butler. The Bulldogs continue their run to the NCAA D1 College Basketball Championship by squeaking by the Michigan State Spartans 52-50. The outcome of the game was never predictable. It was a back and forth contest that was led most of the first and opening minutes of the second half by the Spartans. But, the hometown heroes took the lead with just over 10 minutes left in the game and held on. Both teams scored a total of 17 points collectively in the final 10 minutes. The free throw shooting of Butler proved to be a deciding factor with senior guard Ronald Nored hitting 2 key freebies with 6 seconds left to put the Bulldogs up by 3. Whats next for Butler? Either the West Virginia Mountaineers or the Duke Blue Devils. Both teams would be worthy opponents for the Bulldogs, but the game WVU and Duke should be fun to watch.

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