Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Limbaugh resigns from NFL show
Wednesday, October 1
ESPN.com news services
In the wake of his controversial statements regarding Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, Rush Limbaugh has resigned from his position on ESPN's NFL pregame show. ESPN has accepted the resignation.
Limbaugh issued a statement late Wednesday night in which he wrote:
"My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated. I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret.
"I love NFL Sunday Countdown and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it.
"Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen."
George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN and ABC Sports, issued the following response:
"We accept his resignation and regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."
http://msn.espn.go.com/gen/news/2003/1001/1628537.html
QB McNabb disappointed that others didn't respond during show. (Me too!
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
ESPN.com news services
PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb isn't looking for an apology from Rush Limbaugh, who said he was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.
It's too late for that.
“ An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it. ”
— Donovan McNabb
"He said what he said. ... I'm sure he's not the only one that feels that way but it's somewhat shocking to actually hear that on national TV," the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback said of Limbaugh at a news conference Wednesday. "An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it."
Before McNabb led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 23-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Limbaugh said during ESPN's pregame show that he didn't think McNabb was as good as perceived from the start.
"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
ESPN released an official statement Wednesday night.
"Although Mr. Limbaugh today stated that his comments had 'no racist intent whatsoever,' we have communicated to Mr. Limbaugh that his comments were insensitive and inappropriate. Throughout his career, he has been consistent in his criticism of the media's coverage of a myriad of issues," the statement read.
Limbaugh didn't back down from his comments during his syndicated radio talk show Wednesday.
“ All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something. ”
— Rush Limbaugh
"All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something," Limbaugh said. "If I wasn't right, there wouldn't be this cacophony of outrage that has sprung up in the sports writer community."
Later Wednesday, Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark urged ESPN to fire Limbaugh. Clark, a retired Army general who entered the race Sept. 17, called the remarks "hateful and ignorant speech."
In a letter to ESPN, Clark said, "There can be no excuse for such statements. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to say whatever he wants, but ABC and ESPN have no obligation to sponsor such hateful and ignorant speech. Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately."
Another Democratic candidate, Howard Dean, echoed Clark's sentiment to fire Limbaugh.
"To imply that the success of African-American is an undeserved gift from a biased media is absurd and offensive," Dean said in a statement.
NAACP president and CEO Kweisi Mfume suggested that if Limbaugh isn't fired, ESPN should at least provide an opposing point of view during the Sunday Countdown show.
"What's almost as bad as Limbaugh's comments is ESPN's feeble defense for putting him on the air," Mfume said in a statement. "If this is the future of ESPN, I think fair-minded fans, who tune in for sports news coverage, and not for racist views, should get their sports on other networks. It is appalling that ESPN has to go to this extent to try to increase viewership."
The Rev. Al Sharpton has scheduled a news conference Thursday morning in front of ABC headquarters in New York to call for Limbaugh's firing -- and a national boycott of the network this weekend if that move doesn't happen.
"I'm shocked that we're at Wednesday and we have not seen an apology from Mr. Limbaugh," Sharpton said. "We cannot sit back in silence. That would be consent and we would have lost self-respect."
The NFL disclaimed any responsibility.
"ESPN knew what it was getting when they hired Rush Limbaugh," league vice president Joe Browne said. "ESPN selects its on-air talent, not the NFL."
Chris Berman, who anchors the ESPN show, described himself as "a New England Democrat" but added, "I don't think Rush was malicious in intent or in tone.''
"As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears," he said. "I probably should have looked to soften it.
"We're sorry we upset a guy who got off to a rough start. We don't need to be in the middle of his travails.
"As the quarterback of the show, I feel bad about it. I don't think it was meant the way it came out. I don't think that defines the way Rush feels about people."
McNabb, who was runner-up for the league MVP award in 2000 and has led the Eagles to two straight NFC championship games, said he has no quarrel with Limbaugh's comment on his playing ability. "I know I played badly the first two games," he said Wednesday.
ESPN executive vice president Mark Shapiro came to the conservative Limbaugh's defense.
"This is not a politically motivated comment. This is a sports and media argument," Shapiro was quoted as saying in a USA Today column published Wednesday. "Rush was arguing McNabb is essentially overrated and that his success is more in part [due] to the team assembled around him.
"We brought Rush in for no-holds-barred opinion. Early on, he has delivered," Shapiro told USA Today.
McNabb got off to the worst start of his career this season and was the NFL's lowest-rated starting quarterback after losses to Tampa Bay and New England. Still, the Eagles are 36-22 in games he started.
He said Wednesday that Limbaugh's comments about his race were out of bounds and added that someone on the show should have taken him on. Among the other panelists are former players Michael Irvin and Tom Jackson, both of whom are black.
"I'm not pointing at anyone but someone should have said it," McNabb said of the panelists, who also include Chris Berman and Steve Young. "I wouldn't have cared if it was the cameraman."
According to USA Today, ESPN chose not to have Jackson, Irvin, and Young comment.
The outcry in Philadelphia might grow when the timing of Limbaugh's remarks is considered: He is scheduled to be in the city Thursday to give a keynote address at the three-day National Association of Broadcasters radio convention.
ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle said Tuesday that with Limbaugh on the show this season, ratings for "Sunday NFL Countdown" are up 10 percent overall, and 26 percent among the 18-to-34 male demographic. Sunday's show drew its biggest audience in the regular season since November 1996.
Limbaugh is best known as the radio host of the conservative, politically focused "Rush Limbaugh Show," which is syndicated in more than 650 markets worldwide.
He spent most of the 1990s assailing then-President Clinton and now spends Sunday mornings talking football, a job he called "the fulfillment of a dream."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb isn't looking for an apology from Rush Limbaugh, who said he was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.
It's too late for that.
“ An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it. ”
— Donovan McNabb
"He said what he said. ... I'm sure he's not the only one that feels that way but it's somewhat shocking to actually hear that on national TV," the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback said of Limbaugh at a news conference Wednesday. "An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it."
Before McNabb led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 23-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Limbaugh said during ESPN's pregame show that he didn't think McNabb was as good as perceived from the start.
"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
ESPN released an official statement Wednesday night.
"Although Mr. Limbaugh today stated that his comments had 'no racist intent whatsoever,' we have communicated to Mr. Limbaugh that his comments were insensitive and inappropriate. Throughout his career, he has been consistent in his criticism of the media's coverage of a myriad of issues," the statement read.
Limbaugh didn't back down from his comments during his syndicated radio talk show Wednesday.
“ All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something. ”
— Rush Limbaugh
"All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something," Limbaugh said. "If I wasn't right, there wouldn't be this cacophony of outrage that has sprung up in the sports writer community."
Later Wednesday, Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark urged ESPN to fire Limbaugh. Clark, a retired Army general who entered the race Sept. 17, called the remarks "hateful and ignorant speech."
In a letter to ESPN, Clark said, "There can be no excuse for such statements. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to say whatever he wants, but ABC and ESPN have no obligation to sponsor such hateful and ignorant speech. Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately."
Another Democratic candidate, Howard Dean, echoed Clark's sentiment to fire Limbaugh.
"To imply that the success of African-American is an undeserved gift from a biased media is absurd and offensive," Dean said in a statement.
NAACP president and CEO Kweisi Mfume suggested that if Limbaugh isn't fired, ESPN should at least provide an opposing point of view during the Sunday Countdown show.
"What's almost as bad as Limbaugh's comments is ESPN's feeble defense for putting him on the air," Mfume said in a statement. "If this is the future of ESPN, I think fair-minded fans, who tune in for sports news coverage, and not for racist views, should get their sports on other networks. It is appalling that ESPN has to go to this extent to try to increase viewership."
The Rev. Al Sharpton has scheduled a news conference Thursday morning in front of ABC headquarters in New York to call for Limbaugh's firing -- and a national boycott of the network this weekend if that move doesn't happen.
"I'm shocked that we're at Wednesday and we have not seen an apology from Mr. Limbaugh," Sharpton said. "We cannot sit back in silence. That would be consent and we would have lost self-respect."
The NFL disclaimed any responsibility.
"ESPN knew what it was getting when they hired Rush Limbaugh," league vice president Joe Browne said. "ESPN selects its on-air talent, not the NFL."
Chris Berman, who anchors the ESPN show, described himself as "a New England Democrat" but added, "I don't think Rush was malicious in intent or in tone.''
"As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears," he said. "I probably should have looked to soften it.
"We're sorry we upset a guy who got off to a rough start. We don't need to be in the middle of his travails.
"As the quarterback of the show, I feel bad about it. I don't think it was meant the way it came out. I don't think that defines the way Rush feels about people."
McNabb, who was runner-up for the league MVP award in 2000 and has led the Eagles to two straight NFC championship games, said he has no quarrel with Limbaugh's comment on his playing ability. "I know I played badly the first two games," he said Wednesday.
ESPN executive vice president Mark Shapiro came to the conservative Limbaugh's defense.
"This is not a politically motivated comment. This is a sports and media argument," Shapiro was quoted as saying in a USA Today column published Wednesday. "Rush was arguing McNabb is essentially overrated and that his success is more in part [due] to the team assembled around him.
"We brought Rush in for no-holds-barred opinion. Early on, he has delivered," Shapiro told USA Today.
McNabb got off to the worst start of his career this season and was the NFL's lowest-rated starting quarterback after losses to Tampa Bay and New England. Still, the Eagles are 36-22 in games he started.
He said Wednesday that Limbaugh's comments about his race were out of bounds and added that someone on the show should have taken him on. Among the other panelists are former players Michael Irvin and Tom Jackson, both of whom are black.
"I'm not pointing at anyone but someone should have said it," McNabb said of the panelists, who also include Chris Berman and Steve Young. "I wouldn't have cared if it was the cameraman."
According to USA Today, ESPN chose not to have Jackson, Irvin, and Young comment.
The outcry in Philadelphia might grow when the timing of Limbaugh's remarks is considered: He is scheduled to be in the city Thursday to give a keynote address at the three-day National Association of Broadcasters radio convention.
ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle said Tuesday that with Limbaugh on the show this season, ratings for "Sunday NFL Countdown" are up 10 percent overall, and 26 percent among the 18-to-34 male demographic. Sunday's show drew its biggest audience in the regular season since November 1996.
Limbaugh is best known as the radio host of the conservative, politically focused "Rush Limbaugh Show," which is syndicated in more than 650 markets worldwide.
He spent most of the 1990s assailing then-President Clinton and now spends Sunday mornings talking football, a job he called "the fulfillment of a dream."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report
LOL, Sara, I can't stand him. But, then I don't like Dr. Laura, either. I haven't listened to Rush in 4-5 years and then only a couple times before I had had enough of him. I really hope that Clear Channel cans his butt, but someone else will pick him up. Bah Humbug.
ESPN.com news services
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Rush Limbaugh's comments Sunday on ESPN's NFL pregame show regarding Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb have created a firestorm of controversy. And the reaction of many prominent personalities seems to be one thing:
Fire Rush.
As it turned out, ESPN didn't have the option. Limbaugh resigned late Wednesday night from NFL Sunday Countdown. ESPN accepted the resignation.
Prior to the move, Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark urged ESPN to fire Limbaugh. Clark, a retired Army general who entered the race Sept. 17, called the remarks "hateful and ignorant speech."
"There can be no excuse for such statements. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to say whatever he wants, but ABC and ESPN have no obligation to sponsor such hateful and ignorant speech. Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately," Clark wrote.
Another Democratic candidate, Howard Dean, echoed Clark's sentiment to fire the conservative talk-show host.
"To imply that the success of African-American is an undeserved gift from a biased media is absurd and offensive," Dean said in a statement.
Before McNabb led the Eagles to a 23-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Limbaugh said on ESPN that he didn't think McNabb was as good as perceived from the start.
"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
After the reaction surrounding his remarks started to heat up, Limbaugh was asked to appear on ESPN's SportsCenter on Wednesday night but declined. However, on his syndicated radio show Wednesday, he reiterated that he doesn't think McNabb is a bad player, just that he isn't as good as some media members think he is.
"This is such a mountain out of a molehill," he said. "There's no racism here, there's no racist intent whatsoever."
But that only seemed to fan the flames.
NAACP president and CEO Kweisi Mfume suggested that if Limbaugh isn't fired, ESPN should at least provide an opposing point of view during the Sunday Countdown show.
"What's almost as bad as Limbaugh's comments is ESPN's feeble defense for putting him on the air," Mfume said in a statement. "If this is the future of ESPN, I think fair-minded fans, who tune in for sports news coverage, and not for racist views, should get their sports on other networks. It is appalling that ESPN has to go to this extent to try to increase viewership."
The Rev. Al Sharpton has scheduled a news conference Thursday morning in front of ABC headquarters in New York to call for Limbaugh's firing -- and a national boycott of the network this weekend if that move doesn't happen.
"I'm shocked that we're at Wednesday and we have not seen an apology from Mr. Limbaugh," Sharpton said. "We cannot sit back in silence. That would be consent and we would have lost self-respect."
Seven African-American quarterbacks started games last weekend. Two others who regularly start, Daunte Culpepper of Minnesota and Michael Vick of Atlanta, were out with injuries.
Culpepper, on his Minnesota radio show, called Limbaugh's comments "stupid. He needs to evaluate his thought process before he says things like that. Donovan's been to two NFC championships."
Grambling State head football coach Doug Williams, the first black to quarterback an NFL team to a Super Bowl win when he was with Washington, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that ESPN knew what it was getting when Limbaugh was asked to join the pregame show.
"You've got to chalk it up to the people who hire Rush," Williams said. "Look at it realistically. They knew what they were hiring. You can paint a zebra, but it's still a zebra. That was an awful thing he said. When Donovan McNabb was playing well, the Philadelphia Eagles were playing well. So goes Donovan McNabb, so go the Eagles.
"So, to make that statement was very, very inaccurate, and wrong. I think Rush Limbaugh's personal feelings came out on that one, and his personal views, which have been his views for a long time. You can't put the fox in the henhouse."
McNabb, the subject of Limbaugh's criticism, was shocked not only by Limbaugh's comments, but that no one on the pregame panel counterattacked.
Among NFL Countdown's commentators are former players Michael Irvin and Tom Jackson, both of whom are black.
"I'm not pointing at anyone but someone should have said it," McNabb said of the panelists, who also include former quarterback Steve Young. "I wouldn't have cared if it was the cameraman."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1628539
The Pompous Blowhard, Rush Limbaugh, just Resigned from ESPN. Why did they ever hire him in the first place. He knows as much about football as I do the Chinese Underground. This Racist should be fired from Clear Channel. Being that they originated from here and their headquarters are here and that Red McCombs (Vikings Owner) and Tom Benson (Saints Owner) are both major stockholders in Clear Channel Communications and they both make San Antonio their home, this thing is all over the news and sports down here. An apology to McNabb won't do at this point. He needs to Resign from Clear Channel and if not, they should fire his fat ass.
Colt
Spurs greet new players as training camp starts today
By Johnny Ludden
San Antonio Express-News
09/30/2003
The Spurs began defense of their 2003 NBA championship in a North Side conference room this summer, barely one month after their festive River Walk celebration.
New Spurs forward Robert Horry laughs it up while answering questions during the team's media day Monday. The defending champions start workouts today.
Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News
Tim Duncan is confident, but says he will miss David Robinson. 'It will still be tough going out that first night and looking over and not having him there.'
General manager R.C. Buford watched Tim Duncan walk into the team's practice facility on the rain-soaked afternoon of July 16, then handed him a pen and a $122 million, seven-year contract.
That same day, the Spurs plucked Rasho Nesterovic out of Minnesota and handed him David Robinson's old job. When Stephen Jackson balked at a $10 million offer one week later, they quickly traded for Ron Mercer and Hedo Turkoglu. After Steve Kerr retired in August with five championship rings, Robert Horry arrived from Los Angeles with five of his own.
Yet for all the talent the Spurs added this summer, they may long regret the loss of one of their largest icons: Jimmy Chang.
When Mengke Bateer signed with Toronto, he took Chang, the Spurs' prodigious self-described "language consultant," with him.
That leaves coach Gregg Popovich as the team's resident linguist when training camp opens today, an unenviable job considering no fewer than seven foreign countries will be represented on the 18-player roster: France (Tony Parker), Argentina (Manu Ginobili), Slovenia (Nesterovic), Turkey (Turkoglu), New Zealand (Sean Marks), Yugoslavia (Igor Rakocevic) and Brazil (Alex Garcia).
And that neither includes Puerto Rican guard Larry Ayuso nor the Pride of St. Croix, Duncan, whose birth in the U.S. Virgin Islands also places him on the NBA's ever-growing list of international players.
"We're going to have to find a way to call the plays," Parker said. "Maybe we have to use signs. If we speak English, everybody is going to be, 'Huh? What?'
"I think we should all speak French. Everybody needs to start practicing it anyway because we're going over there."
Parker will serve as tour guide when the Spurs make their week-long sojourn to Paris on Saturday, a trip that doubles as a get-acquainted session for the team. Only six players — Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, Malik Rose and Kevin Willis — remain from the championship roster.
"We don't expect the chemistry to be clicking right off the bat," Duncan said. "We'll spend this entire season getting people used to our system and getting people confident in our system. The new guys will come around. Luckily enough, we have a pretty decent core of guys who have been around."
For the first time in his career, however, Duncan will begin the season paired with a center other than Robinson.
"It will still be tough going out that first night and looking over and not having him there," Duncan said. "He's always been there, so I don't know anything else. But at the same time, I have Rasho and Malik and Robert and Kevin. We'll make up for it. We'll be all right."
To duplicate their success of last season, the Spurs also will have to make up for the losses of Kerr, Jackson, Speedy Claxton, Steve Smith and Danny Ferry.
The Spurs won't be the only ones in flux. Minnesota added Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell and Michael Olowokandi. Dallas swapped Nick Van Exel for Antawn Jamison. The Lakers fortified their title hopes by signing Karl Malone and Gary Payton.
"They are two great players," said Horry, who signed with the Spurs after the Lakers declined to pick up his contract option, "but (there is) only one basketball.
"I remember in Houston when I was traded and they got Charles Barkley. You can ask Clyde (Drexler) and Dream (Hakeem Olajuwon) how they liked playing with Charles. You get used to having the ball all the time. Guys get used to a certain path. We'll see."
For now, Duncan likes what he sees of his latest supporting cast. It was only a year ago the Spurs had to adjust to six new faces.
The difference?
"It's going to be a tougher season," Duncan said. "We're going to have a bullseye on our backs. We're the defending champs."
Notebook: The Spurs completed their training-camp roster Monday by signing Garcia, a point guard, and Dan Langhi, a 6-foot-11 forward who played with Phoenix and Houston, to non-guaranteed contracts. ... Indiana waived Ferry on Monday, allowing the Spurs to announce his hiring as director of basketball operations. Sam Presti also has been promoted from assistant director of scouting to director of player personnel. Both have been working in their new jobs the past month. ... Dick Stockton and Bill Land will split the Spurs' TV play-by-play duties this season after Joel Meyers left for the Lakers. Kerr, Sean Elliott and Lance Blanks will rotate as analysts.
Sweet taste of chemistry
Buck Harvey
San Antonio Express-News
09/30/2003
Many times last season, with tension growing, Steve Smith would walk down the sideline to the SBC Center scorer's table. There he would extend his shooting hand, his right one.
And grab a few sticks of red licorice provided by the stat crew.
That's not much of a highlight film for a guy who earned about $10 million last season. But when Smith walked back and sat down, swallowing both licorice and ego, the moment told about a feature the Spurs had last season.
Chemistry.
Beginning this week: The Spurs will have to find it again if they are to compete with the buffed-up Lakers.
Chemistry was the least of the Spurs' concerns Monday evening. Then, when the defending champions came together, they worked on the basics. First names, last names, basics such as that.
NBA history was made when a Manu hung with a Rasho and a Hedo (a Tim-o was there, too). But the one who wasn't there signaled the change.
No David Robinson, for this franchise, is like no basketball.
No basketball is quite a change for Robinson, too, as well as two others who retired after playing more than a decade in the league, Steve Kerr and Danny Ferry.
"I think I've been playing some sport since I was 6 years old," said Ferry, who on Monday officially became the Spurs' director of basketball operations. "So, yes, this feels weird."
The Spurs' locker room will feel as weird without these veterans. They approached the game the right way, even if they couldn't play it as well anymore. And that's why Gregg Popovich thought about trying to bring back either Kerr or Ferry.
Even if neither played a minute, couldn't the mere presence of one of them make a difference?
Over the grind of a long season, personalities such as these can. And Smith, when he arrived in San Antonio, was the opposite.
The word from Portland then: If Smith's minutes get cut, someone will bleed.
The same Smith who was once generous enough to give over $5 million to his alma mater, Michigan State, is the same Smith who could steal the air out of a locker room. He stewed with the Blazers over both money and playing time.
The Spurs saw the same side, and it was as subtle as it was potentially divisive. Popovich was angry enough after the 2002 season that he temporarily thought about releasing Smith and paying off his massive salary. Smith's jumper failed in the playoffs then, but his demeanor failed as badly.
Money likely remained a source of it. Portland had turned down Smith's request for an extension, and financial possibilities weren't looking any better for him in San Antonio.
Last season, then, brought the ultimate test, when Stephen Jackson replaced Smith as a starter early in the season. If Smith pouted when Bonzi Wells took his minutes, how would he react when uneven Stephen did?
What followed, said Ferry, was "one of the big factors in our championship." Smith worked hard, stayed late and tutored Jackson.
"Things didn't go well for him," said Ferry. "But he handled it well. He set a tone for the group, a maturity, a selflessness. He made you feel stupid for getting frustrated because you weren't playing, because there he was, a former Dream Teamer, accepting his role."
Ferry brought this up on his own, and teams in other sports have their own examples. When the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl a few seasons ago, they credited a 1,000-yard runner for being supportive after being benched.
Priest Holmes got his ring in Baltimore then, and he has gone on to do a few things since.
Holmes understood that whining on a winner wouldn't help anyone, including himself, and Smith likely felt the same. If Smith is going to land a job now, it will be because he proved last season to other franchises that he's a pro.
The Spurs' younger players are better prepared now to go on without Robinson, Kerr, Ferry and Smith, and Popovich has reason to believe. When the best player is Tim Duncan, it's easier for a lot of attitudes to adjust.
But others will still have to bend, as Smith did, because this is one of the deepest rosters in Spurs' history. Whether it's Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry, or Ron Mercer and Malik Rose, someone will have to go to the scorer's table.
For something other than minutes.
High drama awaits as NBA camps open
By Glenn Rogers
San Antonio Express-News
09/30/2003
You're exactly right. It does seem like only yesterday the Spurs were floating down the San Antonio River and enjoying the boisterous cheering of their second NBA championship season.
Yet, here they are, along with their 28 counterparts throughout the league, easing back into training camp.
Veterans with four or more seasons of experience don't have to report until Friday, while their younger comrades begin drilling today.
The reigning champion Spurs and other teams with games scheduled overseas already have all their players in camps today.
The offseason was short and somewhat quiet, but there are plenty of tasty tidbits bobbing about in the league's latest stew.
There will be 10 new head coaches striding the sidelines, and the spotlight probably will burn brightest on Jeff Van Gundy in Houston, Larry Brown in Detroit (his sixth NBA stop), Mike Dunleavy in Clipperland and Tim Floyd in New Orleans.
A batch of foes have muscled up with new talent, more than enough to throw plenty of spice into the newest race for the ultimate thrill in the Finals.
The Spurs sounded fairly unanimous in pronouncing the Timberwolves as the most improved of their opponents.
The Lakers have pitched their tent in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
This turns out to be a fortuitous idea. The Lakers probably first were concerned about the extra press attention that would be paid to the arrival of Karl Malone and Gary Payton.
The Hawaii location will help shade the media searchlight destined to be cast on Kobe Bryant and the sexual assault charges filed against him.
Jerry Sloan walks onto the floor for his 15th season as Utah's head coach, but it will be the first time he looks out and fails to see John Stockton and Malone working their famed options off the pick and roll.
Stockton has retired and Malone is in Los Angeles seeking his first championship ring.
The Sacramento Kings will introduce center Brad Miller to veteran Vlade Divac and the latter will begin his schooling of his anticipated replacement.
The Kings will worry about Chris Webber's recovery from knee surgery — he isn't expected to resume contact until November.
The Wolves will await Kevin Garnett's response to the offer to extend his already mammoth contract and they will be howling about a bigger bite thanks to the additions of Sam Cassell, Michael Olowokandi and Latrell Sprewell.
The Houston Rockets will train in Galveston and Van Gundy gets to begin coaching another significant center, Yao Ming. This time he also has a crackerjack point guard, Steve Francis.
The New Jersey Nets trembled when the Spurs made a run at superstar Jason Kidd but now they can smile broadly while they watch Kidd work with new center Alonzo Mourning.
The Cleveland Cavaliers not only boast a new coach in Paul Silas, but they also can hear the cash register ring with payments for tickets from fans eager to see the league's latest wunderkind — LeBron James.
Up I-35, the Mavs added some scoring to their front line with Antawn Jamison and some rebounding with Danny Fortson. But, they still lack the powerful inside force so necessary to compete in the rugged West.
Ex-Spurs return for Gervin charity
By Dan McCarney
San Antonio Express-News
09/23/2003 12:00 AM
BOERNE — When Artis Gilmore went to bed Sunday night, San Antonio was enveloped in a gray mist that threatened to put a damper on the Target/George Gervin Youth Center Charity Golf Classic.
Johnny Moore was one of several former Spurs players to take part in Monday's Target/George Gervin Youth Center Charity Golf Classic at Tapatio Springs.
But when the former Spurs center awoke Monday morning, he was greeted by blue skies and sunshine.
Figures, Gilmore thought. In the end, things usually work out well for the Iceman.
"Saturday we played and it was just pouring down," Gilmore said. "This is great for George."
Gilmore, who helped lead San Antonio to the 1983 Western Conference finals, was one of a handful of ex-Spurs who participated in the golf tournament at Tapatio Springs. Others included Mike Mitchell, Coby Dietrick, Johnny Moore, Mike Gale and William Franklin.
All still live in the Alamo City except for Gilmore, who works as a motivational speaker out of his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. Gilmore is an avid golfer, but he was just as happy to visit his former home and catch up with his old teammates.
"The city was great," said Gilmore, who averaged 16.1 points per game in five seasons with the Spurs. "It's always a pleasure to return. I have a lot of great memories."
As does Mitchell, who returned to live in San Antonio following a lengthy playing stint in Europe.
"I always knew, when we moved here back in 1981, that this was a place where I could retire," Mitchell said, who played overseas until he was 43. "The fans, they respect what you've done for them and they appreciate you even after you've retired. I go to other cities and I notice the guys don't get treated the same way we get treated here in San Antonio."
Because of that treatment, players such as Dietrick were thrilled the city was rewarded with another NBA title.
"I'm so glad the fans got to experience something like that," Dietrick said. "People treat me special in this town because of my association with the Spurs. For them to think that way about me is just the coolest thing in my life."
Spurs sign 5 free agents for training camp
9/29/2003
Spurs News Editor
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed five free agents for training camp. The Spurs have added guard Elias “Larry” Ayuso, center Ernest Brown, guard Alex Garcia, forward Sean Marks and guard Igor Rakocevic. The Spurs training camp roster currently stands at 17 players.
Elias “Larry” Ayuso appeared in 25 games last season with the Grand Rapids Hoops of the CBA averaging 22.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. Undrafted out of USC, Ayuso is a member of the Puerto Rican National team.
Ernest Brown averaged 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 25.1 minutes for the Mobile Revelers of the NBDL in 2002-03. Originally drafted by Miami with the 52nd pick overall in the 2000 NBA Draft, Brown played in three games for the Heat in 2001-02.
Alex Garcia spent the 2002-03 season with Ribeirao Preto of the Paulista League in Brazil. Garcia averaged 17.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in helping lead Ribeirao to a 21-11 record. Garcia also plays for the Brazilian National Team.
Sean Marks appeared in 23 games last season averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 9.7 minutes for the Miami Heat. Originally drafted by the New York Knicks with the 44th overall pick in 1998, Marks has also seen action with Seattle and Toronto.
Igor Rakocevic played in 42 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves as a rookie in 2002-03 averaging 1.9 points and 0.8 assists in 5.8 minutes. Rakocevic was drafted 51st overall by Minnesota in the 2000 NBA Draft.
The Spurs will begin training camp tomorrow, September 30, at the Spurs Practice Facility.
2003-04 SAN ANTONIO SPURS ROSTER
NO PLAYER POS HT WT DOB COLLEGE NBA YEARS
11 Elias “Larry” Ayuso G 6-3 202 03/27/77 USC ’98 R
12 Bruce Bowen F 6-7 200 06/14/71 Cal St. Fullerton ‘93 7
23 Devin Brown G 6-5 235 12/30/78 UTSA ’02 1
52 Ernest Brown C 7-0 244 05/17/79 Indian Hills CC ’00 1
7 Anthony Carter G 6-2 195 06/16/75 Hawaii ’98 4
21 Tim Duncan F/C 7-0 260 04/25/76 Wake Forest ’97 6
10 Alex Garcia G/F 6-3 195 03/04/80 Brazil R
20 Manu Ginobili G 6-6 210 07/28/77 Argentina 1
5 Robert Horry F 6-10 208 08/25/70 Alabama ’92 13
4 Sean Marks F 6-10 250 08/23/75 California ’98 3
33 Ron Mercer F 6-7 210 05/18/76 Kentucky ’99 10
8 Rasho Nesterovic C 7-0 248 05/30/76 Slovenia 5
9 Tony Parker G 6-2 180 05/17/82 France 2
1 Igor Rakocevic G 6-3 183 03/29/78 Yugoslavia 1
31 Malik Rose F 6-7 255 11/23/74 Drexel ’96 7
14 Hedo Turkoglu F 6-10 220 03/19/79 Turkey 3
42 Kevin Willis C 7-0 245 09/06/62 Michigan State 19
Ferry named Director of Basketball Operations
9/29/2003
Spurs News Editor
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Danny Ferry has been hired as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations. At the same time the Spurs announced that Sam Presti has been promoted to Director of Player Personnel.
“We’re thrilled to add Danny Ferry to our basketball operations staff,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “He has been around the NBA his entire life. He really understands all aspects of the game. Moving from the court to the front office is a natural transition for Danny. With his background, his work ethic and his intelligence I know that he’ll be a great addition.”
Ferry played 13 seasons in the NBA, spending his final three years with the Spurs. He capped his career by winning his first NBA Championship as a member of the Spurs squad that captured the 2003 title. Ferry spent 10 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Spurs as a free agent on August 10, 2000. He retired after being traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of a three team deal in July of 2003. In his NBA career, Ferry appeared in 917 games, averaging 7.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest. A two-time First Team All-American at Duke, he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the second overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft.
“Sam Presti has established himself as one of the talented young minds in the game,” said Buford. “He is a tireless worker who has developed a great understanding of the NBA in a short period of time. He has been an important contributor to the success our program has enjoyed and has a very bright future in this business.”
Presti joined the Spurs as an intern in the summer of 2000 after graduating from Emerson College in Boston. He was named Special Assistant for Basketball Operations in the summer of 2001 and was then named the team’s Assistant Director of Scouting in September of 2002.
Against the Grain: Duncan’s Silent Revolution
9/21/2003
Spurs News Editor
Felix Wright
It certainly came as no shock--to me anyway--driving down highway 281 in San Antonio, Texas, to see a black Hummer H2 cruising in the right lane. He was going about 55 MPH, with cars passing swiftly to his left. The driver? None other than Tim Duncan--the reigning two-time MVP of the National Basketball Association. It didn’t matter that the speed limit was 60 MPH, Duncan was steadily on his way to somewhere, not making a scene or drawing attention to himself, just as he does on the court.
In an NBA world of selfishness, greed, and scandal. Tim Duncan is the anti-NBA, if you will. And the general public is beginning to take notice.
“Everyone in the League loves him, players, coaches, GM’s, everyone,” says Seattle Sonics assistant Bob Weiss.
NBA fans are…were a different story.
“They hesitated to attach themselves to Duncan because he refused to fall into the NBA’s soap opera trap,” said Weiss.
Now, instead of racing to the mall to get a Tracy McGrady or Allen Iverson jersey, fans are opting for the silver and black’s #21. And the wagon continues to grow.
Who else puts up 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight blocks--in an NBA Finals game? If anyone in the pro-sports world deserves his max contract, it’s Tim Duncan.
Sean Elliott said the League wasn’t ready for a two-time MVP. Ready or not, the NBA has one, and rightfully so. And three straight is not out of reach--which is a scary thought, since Duncan seems to get better every year.
Duncan’s mini-revolution has kids raising the rim back to 10’ and practicing bank shots instead of trying 360 windmill dunks.
And who cares if he’s not a media darling? Tim doesn’t need to talk about how good he is after he dominates a game--that’s what we have Shaq and Iverson for. Besides, Duncan would rather go home and play video games than discuss another 25-15-5 night on the floor.
The game’s MBP (Most Boring Player) continues to play at a level above his peers. No current player is as consistent as Duncan, in all facets of the game.
Just look at the Olympic qualifying tournament. The highlights were all about Iverson’s three-point barrage, Vince Carter’s dunks, and Jason Kidd’s behind-the-back passes. But the backbone for Team USA was Duncan, and everyone knows it.
But Duncan wouldn’t have it any other way. Take care of business on the floor, put on a casual T-shirt after the game, and slip out without too much media attention.
Done.
A new shoe contract with Adidas confirms Duncan’s emergence into the mainstream. But Timmy won’t change because of an endorsement deal; he’ll do it his way--the Duncan way.
Which begs the question:
Is it cool to be boring?
Only if you’re Tim Duncan--the best player in the NBA.
Elie Warns Lakers
9/18/2003
Mike Klein
He's back, new Spurs assistant coach Mario Elie. He's ready to be a vocal leader and he's already got a warning for the Lakers.
"I don't care about Kobe, Gary Payton, Karl Malone and Shaq. We got a hell of a squad here, we got a hell of a group, a great coaching staff and we just got to go out there and get it done every night." said Elie.
Eli's also got words of wisdom for the young guys and even guys like former Spur Steven Jackson. Jackson still a man without a team after his agent played hardball with the Spurs and lost, it cost Jackson a great deal with the Spurs, and so far no better offers have come his way. Elie could have told him that was going to happen with Jackson's agent.
Carlesimo likes what he sees in Mercer
9/16/2003
Spurs News Editor
Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo tells the Boston Globe that he is very impressed with newcomer Ron Mercer.
"He's in the gym every day (at the Spurs' practice facility) along with Anthony Carter, and I think they're both going to help us," Carlesimo said.
"I actually think we may have a more talented team this year, but I doubt we'll have the same chemistry. Everything came together for us last year from a chemistry standpoint."
Carlesimo told the paper that he envisions Mercer coming off the bench and getting a lot of scoring opportunities.
"Of all the players we got, I was the least enthusiastic about him because of all the stuff that happened in Indiana," Carlesimo said. "But from what I've seen so far, he's been terrific. I'm impressed."
Spurs to retire the Admiral's number
9/8/2003
"With all that he has accomplished - both on and off the court - David Robinson is the consummate professional athlete," said Spurs Chairman and CEO Peter Holt. "David embodies everything the Spurs are about. All of us in the Spurs organization are so proud to be able to retire his jersey. We are thrilled that David and his family will continue to live in San Antonio. With his commitment to projects like the Carver Academy it is clear that he will continue to have a great impact on our community."
Robinson, who had a 14-year career in the NBA, was a key member of the Spurs team that defeated New Jersey in six games in the finals to win their second NBA championship this past season. San Antonio beat New York to win the title in 1999.
The 38-year-old Robinson, who had announced his retirement before last season started, was a 10-time All-Star selection, the 1990 Rookie of the Year, the 1994-95 league MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He was also named as one of the NBA's top 50 all-time players.
He retired as the Spurs' all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocked shots, steals and games played. He played his entire career for San Antonio.
Robinson, the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, also appeared in the Summer Olympics in 1988, '92 and '96. He was also a member of the gold medal- winning U.S. World Championship team in 1986.
The 7-foot-1 Robinson, who battled back problems near the end of his career, is considered the savior of the franchise after being drafted out of Navy.
Argentinean player was hoping to join Spurs
9/6/2003
Spurs News Editor
Alejandro Montecchia, the distinguished Argentine point guard who shares a hometown and a roster spot on his country's national team with current Spurs' star Manu Ginobili, asked Pamesa Valencia team officials to help him facilitate his exit from the team so that he could join the World Champion, San Antonio Spurs, but it didn't happen.
According to several sources, the Spurs were very interested in acquiring his services, and as late as last Wednesday, Montecchia's agent Arturo Ortega repeatedly told him about the Spurs' interest. The point guard contacted the Spanish team's general manager and coach wondering if they could help him negotiate an exit from the final year of his contract. Team officials, however, told him it that an early exit would be impossible.
While Montecchia had assured fans through the media that he was commited to playing out his contractual obligations, behind the scenes- the point guard attempted personal contact with various team officials and owners in hopes that he would be able to negotiate his release, but in the end, there were too many obstacles. "He even resorted to begging," said one source. "He was on cloud nine and pleasantly surprised by San Antonio's interest, but ultimately, he knows that his contractual obligations must be met and now he is prepared to play again."
"It was a splash of very cold water," said Montecchia. "They didn't even want to negotiate They explained to me that they took a gamble on me and that they were even criticized by the press for making moves and cutting players in order to secure my services."
"The fact that the Spurs tried so hard to get me to sign caused me to really reflect on a lot of things," said Montecchia. "It really shook me up and caused me to get truly excited about the possibilities. It goes to your head and you can't help but get excited. It's every player's dream."
Ultimately, a $700,000 buy-out clause was too big an obstacle to overcome and now Montecchia must prepare to report to Pamesa Valencia's training camp next week. He is expected to join fellow Argentinean, Fabrizio Oberto on the Spanish squad.
Sheboygan County added to Deer Baiting Ban - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
09/22/03
Sheboygan County will be added to the list of counties affected by a ban on baiting and feeding of deer, wildlife officials announced today. This brings the number of counties included in the ban to 23.
An emergency rule approved by the Natural Resources Board on Sept. 8 placed a ban on baiting and feeding of deer as part of the state’s efforts to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine tuberculosis (TB). The ban affects counties that are part of CWD control zones and counties within 10 miles of an animal found positive for CWD or TB.
The county was added when it was learned that the location of a Manitowoc County wildlife farm where a CWD-positive animal was found was not accurately described by the farm’s mailing address. A wildlife biologist working on the ground at the farm site confirmed that a ten-mile radius extending from the farm does dip into Sheboygan County thereby including the county in the baiting and feeding ban.
This finding does not change the inclusion of Manitowoc or neighboring Calumet County in the original ban listing. Wildlife officials stress that this is not a new case of CWD and this action is based on the exact location of a previously known case of CWD in a captive herd.
"The counties identified in the emergency rule are known areas of risk for either chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis because the diseases have been found there," said Tom Hauge, director of the DNR Bureau of Wildlife Management. "Also included are counties within a 10-mile radius of a captive or free-roaming domestic or wild animal that has been confirmed to have CWD or TB since Jan. 1, 1998. We should have included Sheboygan County on the list and simply missed it. It is within 10 miles of a CWD-positive animal that was found in Manitowoc County. The baiting and feeding ban will apply to Sheboygan County by this coming weekend."
Scott Hassett, DNR Secretary, is expected to sign a secretary’s order today and upon publication of the order the ban will be in effect. The expiration date for the ban will be the same as for those counties named on Sept. 8.
Youth Bird Seasons on Tap - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
09/22/03
The youth bird seasons established as part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks “Pass It On” program are just a few weeks away. Waterfowl youth openers are October 4-5 for the High Plains and Early Zone and Oct. 11-12 in the Late Zone. Waterfowl numbers are expected to be good this fall. Upland bird youth season is Nov. 1-2, and it looks like bird numbers will be up from last year. A youth/disabled deer season will also be conducted Sept. 27-28.
Anyone thinking about introducing a young person to hunting will have an excellent opportunity this year if they plan ahead. Two things need to be done prior to the season opener: the youth must complete a hunter education course and practice shooting. To find out where the closest class is available, contact any local Wildlife and Parks office or visit the department website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Introduce the youth to shooting by going to a range or other safe place and teach them basic shooting skills. Mike Nyhoff, manager for Glen Elder Wildlife Area, says he would like to see a better turnout at his area for the youth upland bird season:
“The first youth season, when adults could also hunt, we saw a real good turnout, but subsequent seasons where adults could not hunt have not produced that many youth,” Nyhoff explains. “Glen Elder Wildlife Area boasts a great pheasant population this year. Last year, the area attracted nearly 700 hunters for the regular opening weekend but only about 60 for the youth season.
Rob Unruh, manager for Jamestown Wildlife Area, makes the same observation for waterfowl hunters on his area. Youth can hunt geese and ducks throughout the state during the youth waterfowl seasons, and some great opportunities are being missed. “Kids are the future of hunting,” says Unruh, “and it is such a great pastime for kids and adults to spend time together.”
All public wildlife areas, WIHA tracts, and private land (with permission) will be open for the youth seasons. For the upland bird and deer seasons, any youngster 16 or younger is eligible. For the youth waterfowl season, the youth must be 15 or younger. Adults cannot carry a firearm in any youth season but must accompany and supervise them. This is also a chance for hunters to exercise their bird dogs and scout WIHA or public hunting areas before the regular season opener.
DNR Shooting/Archery Range Development Grants Available
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
09/22/03
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced today that $240,000 in Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources grant money is now available to nonprofit groups and organizations for the improvement of shooting and archery range facilities around the state.
The grants are designed to enhance the Minnesota Hunter Education Program by providing additional access to students for hunter safety education training and live firing, and to increase public access to recreational shooting facilities.
Total grant funding would be split equally between each group, with a $20,000 maximum available for each firearms improvement project such as the purchase of materials to repair, improve or expand shooting positions, benches, baffles, etc.
Archery ranges are eligible for up to a maximum $5,000 for each archery range improvement project, including target stands, backstop berms, shooting platforms, etc.
Any nonprofit group or organization that operates a shooting or archery range is eligible, according to DNR Shooting Range Coordinator Chuck Niska. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2006.
"We're looking toward working with basic types of installations for groups that really need our help rather than helping established shooting or archery operations fine tune their facilities," Niska said. "We want to help groups in need grow their capacity for shooting. With limited funding, this is the best use of public funding."
Grants will be dispersed according to criteria developed to enhance hunter safety and increase public access to ranges. Checks will be dispersed on a matching basis.
Information and application packages are available by calling DNR Shooting Range Coordinator Chuck Niska at (651) 297-2449 or via e-mail to chuck.niska@dnr.state.mn.us. Applications are also available on the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fad/recreation/rangedev.html .
Hunting Heritage Partnership Grant Awarded - Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife
09/19/03
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has awarded the Indiana Department of Natural Resources a $59,750 grant from its Hunting Heritage Partnership to launch a pilot program to help introduce hunter education graduates to hunting opportunities in the state.
Indiana will use the grant funds to invite hunter education graduates who lack the social support, such as that provided by family and friends with a hunting background, to special STEP OUTSIDE(R) events where they will gain valuable hunting, safety and firearms experience to start their lifelong pursuit. Social support is the critical factor in getting started in hunting and a major barrier to entry for those that lack support.
"More than 20,000 kids and adults attend Indiana's hunter education classes each year to learn about safety and our wildlife heritage. Working with conservation-minded volunteers, we hope to better mentor these students and give them the support they need to become active, involved, ethical hunters," said Glen Salmon, Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife director.
The Hunting Heritage Partnership was established by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearm industry, to provide direct funding to state wildlife agencies to help them with programs that provide opportunities for, and remove barriers to, hunter participation.
"Officials with Indiana's Division of Fish and Wildlife have designed a unique and dynamic recruitment tool and this grant recognizes their successful efforts and helps them with the launch. This is exactly the kind of creative program development that agencies in other states can look to as a model to help preserve our hunting and conservation traditions," said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Indiana's 874,000 anglers and 290,000 hunters spent $846 million in Indiana in 2001 in pursuit of their pastime, which supported 16,000 jobs in the state. Efforts to expand hunting, such as youth pheasant hunting days, help boost the economy in a state where nearly one of every six Indiana residents hunt or fish, generating over $50 million in state tax revenue.
"When more hunters go afield, everyone benefits. The contributions hunters and anglers make in unique taxes paid and fees collected fund conservation efforts for all Indiana residents to enjoy," said Steve Williams, director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Applications from 36 states were submitted to the Hunting Heritage Partnership and over $500,000 in grants was awarded to 18 states for programs focusing on issues from recruitment and retention of hunters to increasing access to hunting lands. The National Shooting Sports Foundation is working with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and members of Congress on behalf of America's 18 million hunters to provide states with additional funding opportunities through the Hunting Heritage Partnership.
Information on NSSF and STEP OUTSIDE(R) is available at: http://www.nssf.org
Information on upcoming hunter education courses is available at:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/hunt-edu.htm
Elk Hunting Clinic Offered - Colorado Division of Wildlife
09/19/03
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is sponsoring an elk-hunting clinic September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DOW Office, 4255 Sinton Road in Colorado Springs. The clinic is designed to help hunters improve their chances during the upcoming seasons. The clinic will teach hunters how and where to find elk, how to prepare for the hunt and what techniques to use in the field. Elk biology will be discussed along with safety and ethics.
“Any elk hunter interested in learning more about elk habits and productive elk hunting techniques should attend this clinic,” said Steve Lucero, Southeast Region Education Coordinator for the DOW. “This clinic is for novice and the beginning elk hunter; you’ll come away from the session with new ideas on how to effectively hunt Colorado elk.”
Presenters include Reid DeWalt, District Wildlife Manager in the Colorado Springs area; Bob Davies, DOW Senior Game Biologist for Southeast Colorado; and Grover Cassada, veteran hunter education instructor. Pre-Registration is required. The class is limited to the first 50 who sign up. Call 719-227-5203 or email http://www.wildlife.gohunting@state.co.us to register.
Deer Archery Season Opens September 27th - Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
09/19/03
Tennessee's 2003 deer archery season will open across the state on Saturday morning September 27th, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The archery season dates in Unit A (Middle and West Tenn.) this year will be September 27 - October 31, November 10-November 21, and December 15 - December 19. The bag limit for Unit A is four deer, no more than two antlered.
Unit B, (East Tenn.) will be September 27 - October 31 and November 10 - November 21. The bag limit for Unit B is two deer either-sex.
The TWRA urges all archery hunters to pick up a 2003 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide to review and become familiar with all the changes for the upcoming deer season.
Hunters are reminded that they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1969 must also have, in their possession, proof they have successfully completed a hunter education course.
Public Help Sought in Unit 8 Elk Poaching Case - Arizona Game and Fish Department
09/19/03
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in solving a poaching case in Game Management Unit 8 southwest of Williams that occurred on Saturday, Sept. 6.
A trophy bull elk was unlawfully killed in the vicinity of Dutch Kid Knoll. An archery deer hunt was underway in Unit 8 at the time, and hunters in the area are urged to report any suspicious activity. The Game and Fish Department is offering a reward of up to $750 for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals involved in the poaching.
To report information on this or any Game and Fish violation call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700. Caller identities will remain confidential upon request. Information may also be given directly to the Flagstaff Game and Fish office at (928) 774-5045.
Deer Season Permits Available
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
09/19/03
Nebraskas 2003 archery deer season is already underway, the muzzleloading season opens Dec. 1, and there are an unlimited number of permits for both seasons so anyone who wants to participate in either season may do so.
The dates for this years archery deer season are Sept. 15 - Nov. 14, and Nov. 24 - Dec. 31; and the muzzleloader season will be Dec. 1 - Dec. 31. Though there are an unlimited number of archery and muzzleloader permits available, hunters may have no more than two permits that allow the taking of antlered deer.
In addition to archery and muzzleloader permits, there are still permits available in a number of regular deer hunting units across the state. Many hunters are taking advantage of the unique “season choice” permits which allow the bearer to choose when to hunt and what equipment to use to harvest an antlerless deer. They can harvest their deer using archery equipment during the archery season, a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, or with a firearm during the November firearm season or the special late firearm season in January. The hunter can use a season choice permit to hunt in any or all of the seasons until the permit is filled. But, hunters should remember that a permit for Season Choice Area 2 or Area 13 is not valid at Harlan County Reservoir.
Permits are available online at the Game and Parks Commissions website at http://www.outdoornebraska.org by mail, or from any Commission permitting office at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha or Lincoln.
2003 Nebraska deer hunting permits available as of 9 a.m., Sept. 18 were:
Buffalo Whitetail . .1,598 permits
Calamus East . . . . . 946 permits
Calamus West . . . . . 999 permits
Frenchman Whitetail . 419 permits
Keya Paha . . . . . . 1,576 permits
Loup East . . . . . 564 permits
Loup West . . . . . .1,397 permits
Missouri . . . . . . . 342 permits
Pine Ridge . . . . . .1,713 permits
Plains . . . . . . . . 893 permits
Platte . . . . . . . .1,504 permits
Platte Whitetail . . . 355 permits
Sandhills . . . . . . 768 permits
Upper Platte . . . . 795 permits
Season Choice Area 1. . .1,366 permits
Season Choice Area 2 .1,165 permits
Season Choice Area 3 . 58 permits
Season Choice Area 4 .1,830 permits
Season Choice Area 5 .4,266 permits
Season Choice Area 6 .4.053 permits
Season Choice Area 7 . 903 permits
Season Choice Area 8 . 218 permits
Season Choice Area 9 . 359 permits
Season Choice Area 11 256 permits
Season Choice Area 12 249 permits
Season Choice Area 13 126 permits
Season Choice Area 14. 474 permits
Upper Platte Control Area . . . . . . unlimited permits
Pine Ridge Control Areaunlimited permits
Statewide Archery. . unlimited permits
Statewide Muzzleloader unlimited permits
A copy of the 2003 Nebraska Big Game Guide and Application Booklet is available from Game and Parks Commission offices or permit agents.
If your legs are as hairy as mine, it'll grow back over night. LOL But, the better option would be to get one of the gals take your place and we'll let you be the MC that night.
Colt...Congrats to the (Ernie Banks) Chicago Cubs. They shut down a potent offense tonight.
Sara, It's just not the same with Rice in a different uniform. Same thing way back there when Tony Dorsett left Dallas and went with the Broncos (I think) and now Emmitt Smith in Arizona. I like to see a great player close out his career with his original team, but, I do understand why that sometimes can't or doesn't happen.
Colt
Hall named special teams award third straight week
By DOUG TUCKER
AP Sports Writer
September 30, 2003
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Why are teams still kicking the ball to the only guy in NFL history with touchdown returns in three consecutive games?
Because in the long run, squibbing a kickoff down the middle or trying to place a punt precisely out of bounds might actually be even more harmful than chasing down the shifty Dante Hall.
In a victory over Baltimore on Sunday that kept the Chiefs (4-0) unbeaten, Kansas City's 5-foot-8 return specialist had a touchdown return for the third week in a row.
Also for the third straight time, Hall was named the AFC's special teams player of the week, another NFL first for the former fifth-round draft pick who struggled to keep his job two years ago. Hall was out of town Tuesday and unavailable for comment.
``You can say, `Well, we'll punt it out of bounds,''' special teams coach Frank Gansz Jr. said. ``But it's not as easy as you think it is. Even the best punters can shank one in that situation, and then you've put yourself in a big hole.
``At the same time, I'm sure they're not telling them to punt the ball down the middle of the field to this guy.''
Having the ball sail out of bounds on the kickoff is even less an option. The receiving team in that instance automatically gets the ball on its own 40. Or it can make the kicking team kick it over.
One alternative is the ``squib'' kick, where the ball hardly gets off the ground and goes bouncing down the field toward the ``wedge'' where six or eight blockers are bunched in the middle to form a convoy for the returner.
But that, too, is dicey.
``Squib kicks have a higher percentage of going out of bounds,'' coach Dick Vermeil said.
``And squib kicks normally don't go very far. They bounce around in the wedge. If it went into the wedge, we'd catch it and flip it back to Dante anyway. We would probably average a better starting field position if they squib-kicked it than if they didn't.''
A huge factor in Hall's success has been the blocking of the return units. Baltimore came into the game ranked No. 1 in defending against kickoffs. But the blocking was so superb on his long kickoff return, Hall had to make only one man miss, the kicker, as he sailed down field.
Linebacker Mike Maslowski actually had three different blocks on Hall's punt return in Houston. Hall has taken the drudgery out of special teams duty.
``It really motivates the effort, and it adds a deeper level of confidence and belief you can be successful,'' Vermeil said. ``And it also makes you feel more like an important contributing part of the team.
``No matter how you preach as a coach, there is a tendency for special teams players not to believe it's as important as the offensive or defensive snap. And it is.''
The Chiefs play Denver, which is also 4-0, and Arrowhead Stadium will be rocking with about 80,000 fans rooting for a fourth straight touchdown return by Hall.
``All I know is, every time the ball gets in his hands, I say, `Look out,''' Vermeil said.
Wife of benched QB sounds off again
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
September 29, 2003
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The wife of benched St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner sounded off again Monday, saying in a radio interview that a trade would be welcomed after the season if the situation stayed the same.
Last season, Brenda Warner called a radio show to complain that she -- and not coach Mike Martz -- had suggested that the two-time MVP have his injured hand X-rayed. The X-ray revealed a broken hand that Warner had been playing with.
On Monday, Brenda Warner told ``Steve and D.C.'' on The Mall that her husband wouldn't mind changing teams.
``Probably, just from the point that we want to play, he wants to play, plain and simple,'' Brenda Warner said. ``So, if he's not going to play here, then he wants to play somewhere.
``You just want to be wanted, like anybody, whether you're a D.J. or whatever you do.''
Marc Bulger has started ahead of Warner the last two weeks, although Martz said at the time of the change that it wasn't necessarily permanent. Brenda Warner reiterated that a new city would be fine if her husband doesn't get his starting job back.
``So you know what?'' Brenda Warner said. ``We're open for anything. We've always said we trust God in everything that happens for us. This is one of the things that we've got, again, to put our trust in Him and know that He'll take care of us.''
Kurt Warner told TV station KSDK, for whom he's paid for weekly interviews, that he's beginning to think about life after the Rams.
``I'm starting to imagine it a little more every day, I think,'' Warner said. ``It's not something I think about often, it's not something I want to transpire.
``But with the way it looks like ... the direction of this team is going, it's a distinct possibility.''
Last December, Brenda Warner called KFNS to complain her husband had his broken hand X-rayed at her suggestion.
``Martz had nothing to do with it,'' Brenda Warner said then. ``All week long I said, 'Kurt, I'm a nurse, you should go get it X-rayed.' The doctors never once said he should get an X-ray. (They) said, 'No, it's only bruised.'''
Owens, Garcia growing apart as 49ers' slide worsens
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
September 29, 2003
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Though Terrell Owens has feuded with coaches and criticized teammates during his tumultuous tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, he had always stayed on his quarterback's good side -- until now.
The relationship between Owens and Jeff Garcia appears strained after a disastrous weekend trip to Minnesota for the 49ers, who fell to 1-3 with a 35-7 loss to the Vikings.
Owens directed blame and shame at his entire team during a postgame diatribe at the Metrodome -- and for the first time, Garcia was a target. Owens stopped just short of suggesting the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback should be benched after finding his All-Pro receiver for just five catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns.
On Monday, the 49ers' quarterbacks and receivers watched film together as usual. Garcia and Owens didn't say a word to each other.
``Either we're all in this together, or some changes have to be made,'' Garcia said. ``This is a team effort, and there's not any one individual that is above the team.''
Coach Dennis Erickson met with Owens in the morning, but he didn't discipline his star receiver for the latest in a long line of questionable behavior. Owens didn't speak to reporters Monday.
``Obviously, I didn't like what happened yesterday,'' Erickson said. ``It will not be tolerated any longer, basically.''
Owens threw a sideline tantrum during a loss to Cleveland the previous week, and he lost it again after the Vikings turned back a fourth-and-1 running play on the Minnesota 31 in the third quarter. Owens stormed off the field and chewed out offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, the subject of a similar tirade in the Browns game.
``What happened with Coach Knapp is just something that I don't care for,'' said Erickson, who called the running play.
Owens' oblique criticisms of Garcia were grounded in fact. Garcia might have played his worst game for San Francisco, going 11-of-23 for 108 yards and three interceptions before giving way to backup Tim Rattay in the fourth quarter.
``That's not my position to say we need a quarterback change, but Rat did a good job when he was in there,'' said Owens, who also admired Rattay's 37-yard TD pass to Tai Streets. ``It's been a long time since I've seen that. He threw it deep and gave us a chance. That's all you can ever ask as a receiver.''
Garcia took responsibility for his poor play, which was abetted by a lingering groin injury. But Garcia couldn't overlook Owens' impetuous decisions to air his complaints to reporters, who have rarely heard Owens' voice in the last two years except in anger or pleasure after games.
``Sickness can spread,'' Garcia said. ``We're trying to do our best possible job to not allow that sickness to spread.
``All the wins that we've had over the past two or three seasons are because this team came together on the football field. It wasn't because of one individual making exceptional plays, and all of a sudden we're finding ourselves on top of other teams. It doesn't happen that way.''
The rest of the 49ers haven't yet decided what to make of Owens' comments. Some are sticking behind him despite his declaration that the 49ers have no heart.
``People are taking it the wrong way,'' linebacker Jamie Winborn said. ``Everything that's said is said to everybody. Nobody points fingers on this team. Guys get emotional. The guy really cares and wants to win. In my opinion, you need to have people on your team like that.''
Raw statistics don't back up Owens' complaints about a lack of involvement in the 49ers' offense. He has 25 catches for 299 yards, which translates to 100 catches and nearly 1,200 yards over a full season -- numbers that would satisfy nearly any receiver except Owens.
But after a difficult offseason rehab from torn muscles in his groin and legs, Owens expected to have a spectacular season with the arrival of Erickson, who was expected to open up the 49ers' West Coast offense.
In addition, Owens is in the final year of his contract; he's hoping to land a signing bonus of more than $15 million for the most important deal of his career.
Erickson isn't worried about a growing frost between Owens and Garcia. He believes a 1-3 team has bigger problems than the personality conflicts that have defined the 49ers during Owens' best seasons.
``I don't care if they talk to each other as long as they're on the same page when they throw it and catch it,'' Erickson said. ``They've been playing together for a long time.''
Cowboys trade Reggie Swinton to Packers
September 30, 2003
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The Cowboys traded receiver-kick returner Reggie Swinton to the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday for a conditional draft pick.
Swinton returned kicks in the first game, but rookie Zuriel Smith did the job the last two weeks. Swinton averaged 21.7 yards on three kicks this season.
Swinton, who played at Murray State, joined the Cowboys as a free agent in 2001. He set team records that year for kickoff returns (56) and yards (1,327) and combined kickoff and punt return yards (1,741).
Last season, he averaged 24.9 yards per kick return. He had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Philadelphia last year and a 65-yard punt return for a score against Denver in 2001. He had 14 career catches with Dallas for 180 yards and a touchdown but none this year
The Cowboys replaced Swinton on the roster with offensive lineman Torrin Tucker, who was on the team's practice squad.
Erickson will not tolerate any more of Owens' temper tantrums
Cam Inman
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
SANTA CLARA - Wide receiver Terrell Owens' sideline tantrums and critical postgame comments to the media "will not be tolerated any longer," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said Monday.
That's the clear-cut message Erickson said he delivered to Owens in a private meeting Monday, a day after Owens' controversial acts during and after Sunday's 35-7 loss to the host Minnesota Vikings.
"We talked and he understands where I am coming from," Erickson said. "Obviously I didn't like what happened. ... What happened with (offensive coordinator Greg) Knapp is something I don't care for."
Owens confronted Knapp on the 49ers bench late in the third quarter Sunday, after the 49ers failed to convert on a fourth-and-one run by Kevan Barlow. Owens threw his helmet at the bench, stomped over to where Knapp was sitting, flailed his arms and screamed for several seconds at Knapp -- a scene that television cameras caught and replayed during the game.
Erickson would not reveal whether he or the team disciplined Owens, who was unavailable for comment. A team official requesting anonymity said Owens will not face a one-game suspension, as he did in 2000 after his controversial touchdown celebrations in Dallas.
Owens' agent, David Joseph, said he wasn't aware of any possible fine. "They haven't called me as such, but that's nothing new," Joseph said. "They've stopped calling me."
Joseph, whose attempts to land Owens a contract extension were rebuffed by the 49ers before training camp, said he called general manager Terry Donahue on Monday and encouraged a meeting between Owens and Erickson to discuss Owens' concerns.
"Right now the focus and function of everybody in the organization is to concentrate on getting the team better and to not get sidetracked and distracted by these other events," Donahue said.
Erickson said he also met Monday with secondary coach Brett Maxie, who had a sideline blowup directed at cornerback Mike Rumph after a Vikings touchdown catch.
"He knows he made a mistake and that it won't happen again," Erickson said of Maxie.
As for whether his similar message got across to Owens, Erickson admitted that "we'll see as time goes on."
Owens has voiced criticism after each of the team's past three losses, starting with an "I'm not griping, but ... " session when the 49ers lost at St. Louis on Sept. 14. He criticized the 49ers' patchwork offensive line and Knapp's play-calling after a Sept. 21 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He followed with another rant-filled press conference Sunday.
Not only did he claim that the 49ers "have no heart," but Owens didn't endorse struggling quarterback Jeff Garcia. Asked if Garcia should be demoted in favor of unproven backup Tim Rattay, Owens said: "Who knows? ... It's not my position to say we need a quarterback change, but Rat did a good job when he was in there."
Erickson squashed any possible quarterback controversy, stating Monday: "Jeff is our quarterback, and I plan on him playing well. He's played in the Pro Bowl and he's played well most of the year."
Garcia refused to directly respond to Owens' comments. Although the quarterbacks and receivers reviewed game film together for the third straight week to help their communication process, Garcia said he and Owens didn't speak to each other Monday.
"I don't care if they talk to each other," Erickson said, "as long as they're on the same page when they throw it and catch it."
Said Garcia: "Either we're all in this together or some changes have to be made. ... We win as a team and lose as a team. There's not any one individual that is above the team."
Garcia said the 49ers (1-3) have "more than enough heart." But he added that they hit "rock bottom" against the Vikings and are in a "do-or-die situation" going into Sunday's game against the Steve Mariucci-coached Detroit Lions.
Erickson said he wasn't too aware of the Mariucci-Owens saga that played out the previous few years. But Erickson has dealt with outspoken wide receivers before in his career, such as Joey Galloway with the Seattle Seahawks and Lamar Thomas at the University of Miami.
"Every coach has been through it one time or another," said tight ends coach Gregg Smith, who's been an assistant under Erickson since 1982. "It's just the nature of the profession."
Erickson said he's getting more involved in the play calling and that he, not Knapp, called for the Barlow run on the fourth-and-one play that incited Owens' outburst. Owens said Sunday that Garcia should have audibled and thrown to him because Owens was in single coverage. Erickson said he wouldn't allow Garcia to audible "in that situation at all, not in that stadium."
NOTES: Garcia said his strained left groin hampered him in Sunday's game but that his back has recovered from a July 14 injury. ... Left tackle Derrick Deese (right ankle) is slated to practice Wednesday and play Sunday for the first time since the season opener, Erickson said. ... Defensive tackle Josh Shaw returned from his four-game drug suspension and from what he called "an eye opening" stay at a Fort Lauderdale rehabilitation center. Donahue said the 49ers have a week to decide whether to keep Shaw on the roster. ... Jimmy Williams, the No. 4 cornerback Sunday, could be promoted, Erickson said.
Garbage out?
Jennifer Floyd Engel
StarTelegram Staff Writer
IRVING - Just as Troy Hambrick had predicted, when Emmitt Smith called his ex-Cowboys teammates "trash" this summer, a curtain was yanked back and a long-kept secret revealed.
The ugly truth is that Smith, who returns to Texas Stadium with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, was the distraction.
"I think, perhaps, at times, the focus on the season was based on him getting his rushing record rather than us having a successful winning percentage," defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban said. "Good or bad, it was a distraction, so we have better things to focus on now as a team, and that is winning games."
What Ekuban is saying is that 2002 was never about 10-6. It was all about 16,726, the NFL rushing record.
Nobody could say it last season. How could they bash a legend? How could they say "You can't spell Emmitt without 'I' and 'ME?'"
They couldn't. So they didn't.
They kept their mouths shut when his pursuit of the NFL rushing record eclipsed the team's pursuit of a winning season, when his personal accolades surpassed team goals, when his ego prevented making necessary changes.
They did it because they owed it to him. And they would have accepted it all and said "goodbye and thank you" had Smith kept his mouth shut. But he couldn't. He was quoted in Sports Illustrated in August as saying he felt like "a diamond surrounded by trash" in 2002.
What his Cowboys teammates felt was betrayed.
"If you have any pride of playing the game of football, it did have an effect on you," linebacker Dexter Coakley said. "Especially [coming from] a guy who had been here so long, done so much in this game, and to go out and say some of the things he said ...
"It was very painful. He was just speaking his mind. He didn't mean, literally, trash being the players."
At least Coakley does not think so.
What he knows for sure is one man's "trash" is another man's treasure.
Coach Bill Parcells has recycled a team Smith discarded as "trash" into an NFL surprise. Four weeks into what many expected to be another 5-11 season, at best, Dallas finds itself 2-1. Both victories came away from Texas Stadium, a Cowboys' Achilles' heel for almost a decade.
If, like Parcells says, confidence is only born of demonstrated ability, the Cowboys have earned the right to be confident.
"So, if you start to demonstrate some ability that you can win some games on the road, then you become more confident that you can," Parcells said. "So now they know they can do something. Now, will we continue to do that? Who knows?"
Because, in Parcells' mind, a corner cannot be turned in three games. They have to be contending at Thanksgiving. Or, at least, Halloween. He is talking about winning three games. Consecutively. Before he starts getting happy, he needs to see more.
Winning on the road is a start. It is only a start.
"Listen, we are going to have several crises this year. There isn't any doubt about it," Parcells said. "I think the key thing for a coach is you can't let a crisis lessen the vision of what you are trying to do. That is important.
"I'm not trying to teach anybody life lessons here, but that is an important lesson in life as well. ... A lot of people get very distracted at the first sign of crises. The media can be particularly distracting in crises."
Reporters talk "trash" when the coach wants to focus on improvement.
Which makes Smith's pending arrival quite timely.
He is a reminder of how things were. That is no longer how they are. Cowboys players say Smith would not recognize the Cowboys' locker room if he were to walk in today. There is a quiet confidence that did not exist during the 5-11s. There is a seriousness instilled by Parcells. There are leaders who insist on it.
"I think Emmitt took a lot of pride in knowing that he was a leader on this team. Not to take anything away from him, but there is just a lot more focus here without him here because we have Parcells and we have other key contributors who have come in and been put into that leadership role," Ekuban said. "Nothing against him, but we're just feeding off what we have now and getting better."
The next step to being better is beating the Cardinals.
Which means stopping Smith, whose modus operandi is to put up big numbers in big games.
"Emmitt cannot beat us by his damn self," safety Roy Williams said. "I am going to be for real about that."
For 49ers, time to clean up the mess
Dennis Georgatos
Mercury News
49ers Coach Dennis Erickson called Terrell Owens into his office Monday and warned him against any more sideline outbursts.
"It will no longer be tolerated, basically," Erickson said at his weekly news conference.
On Sunday, television cameras showed Owens berating offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp after a failed running play on fourth-and-one.
Owens said after the game he was furious because he had gotten single coverage on the play and could have gained the first down had the ball been thrown to him.
Erickson said no disciplinary action was planned. However, the coach added that Owens should consider this a warning.
"He understands where I'm coming from," Erickson said.
Even so, Erickson said he is not sure how Owens will respond.
"We'll see as time goes on," he said.
Owens was not available for comment Monday during the 45-minute open locker room session.
As it turns out, Owens' anger was misdirected. Erickson said he -- not Knapp -- made the call to run the ball.
"We'd done it before and had been successful," Erickson said. "It was a play we had practiced. They were in a short-yardage defense. Yeah, he was one-on-one, but we were going to run the football."
The coach added that quarterback Jeff Garcia was forbidden from changing the call at the line of scrimmage because the din of the Metrodome raised the risk of a miscommunication.
In the sit-down Monday, Erickson said he also addressed some of Owens' postgame remarks in which he had been critical of teammates. But he said any other details of his conversation with Owens were private.
Owens ripped the play of the 49ers' banged-up offensive line the previous weekend after a loss to Cleveland, and declared the team had "no heart" after the drubbing by the Vikings.
Garcia, whose relationship with the receiver has become so strained that the two did not speak to each other during a joint film session Monday, took exception with the latter of Owens' claims.
"One individual is saying that, that's his own opinion. He's entitled to that. That is not the character of this team," Garcia said. "This team has more than enough heart."
Linebacker Jamie Winborn said he did not think Owens meant the comment as an attack on the character of his teammates.
"I just think he wants everybody to care and feel passionate, the way he does," Winborn said. "And we do. But some of us express it in a different way."
Garcia remains concerned that Owens' harsh remarks could sow dissension. He said that during the flight home from Minneapolis, he met with Bryant Young, Jeremy Newberry and Ron Stone, among others, to try to quell the threat of more finger-pointing as the team prepares for its game Sunday against the Detroit Lions and former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci.
"In so many ways, this team has had the leaders that have allowed it to stay together," Garcia said. "I think, in so many ways, that sickness can spread. And we're trying to do our best possible job to not allow that sickness to spread."
Mariucci: Focus on San Fran
CURT SYLVESTER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
To say Steve Mariucci is downplaying his return to San Francisco would be putting it mildly.
He will gladly talk about grading the Lions' performance in their loss Sunday at Denver.
Or the timetable for their trip Friday to San Francisco.
And he will explain how he hasn't had time for film study on the team he coached for six seasons.
But, for the most part, Mariucci is concealing any strong feelings about facing the 49ers on Sunday.
"I am going to be brief with you guys," he told the media Monday, "because the game is the focus."
And no amount of prying got him to open up. Not entirely, at least.
"I guess it's different," Mariucci said. "Let's be honest, it's different than going to Houston or Jacksonville or somewhere else.
"It's a place where I'm familiar. I know half the people in the stands, I'm familiar with the players."
Mariucci won 57 games and lost 39 with the 49ers. He had to work through a two-year rebuilding program and took them to the playoffs four times.
Some people thought his approach was too conservative, that he didn't fully use wide receiver Terrell Owens and that -- in the tradition of Bill Walsh and George Seifert -- he should have won at least one Super Bowl.
But his abrupt firing by owner's representative John York after a 31-6 playoff loss to eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay was a jolt to Mariucci. And the team's 1-3 record with new coach Dennis Erickson has some 49ers fans wondering about York's decision.
Mariucci clearly would prefer to avoid the subject.
"To be quite frank, I don't even enjoy talking about it," he said, "and if I start thinking about it, I try to change the channel and get it to the here and now. And I think that's important -- I'm not talking about a coach, I'm talking about a human being -- for one's state of mind.
"Because I can't dwell on that. Because if I do, I'd probably have a bad day."
But he admits that the firing had a huge impact on him and his family.
"It was unusual, it was surprising, shocking," he said. "I didn't plan for it. Professionally, physically, emotionally, I didn't plan for it. But when I think about it, I don't think about that day so much.
"There were six years before that that were awesome. I don't need to tell you that I have fond memories, great learning experience, relationships, colleagues, former players, coaches, fans -- I love them.
"Not only did I love working for the organization, I enjoyed living there. I was a citizen there, and my family enjoyed it as much as I did. Those are the things I think of more than the one crazy day."
Less than three weeks after being fired, Mariucci had a job with the Lions, knowing from the start the Lions would have a date with the 49ers in San Francisco.
It was generally assumed the 49ers would be playing at last season's level (they were 10-6 in the regular season, 1-1 in the playoffs) and the Lions would be in their continuing rebuilding program.
Instead, both teams are 1-3, and interest in the game is growing, particularly in the San Francisco area.
Last week, two reporters from the San Francisco area spent a day at the Allen Park practice facility to do Mariucci interviews, and two more reporters were there Monday to cover the Mariucci angle.
Through all of that, he is doing his best to keep his players and the public focused on the game. Aside from three or four minutes in which he talked about his own feelings Monday, he succeeded.
"There's a certain progression to the week, there's a certain buildup," he said, "and you've got to peak at kickoff. All right?"
Mariucci and his staff went through videotape of the loss at Denver, correcting mistakes and outlining changes for the upcoming week. They discussed their own players, went over the 49ers' personnel with advance scout Dennis Murphy and finally began preparing a game plan.
"A lot of work's been done already," Mariucci said. "Assistant coaches have done it. Me, personally, other than watching them play on television a little bit -- which I've done, putting some notes on the side -- my preparation starts tonight."
And that's about as much as Mariucci wants anybody to know about his feelings on returning to San Francisco.
NOTEBOOK: The Lions spent several minutes working on defensive substitutions, the result of mix-ups that cost them time-outs and at times left them with the wrong combination of players against Denver.
Contact CURT SYLVESTER at 313-222-2621 or sylvester@freepress.com .
Vermeil eyes the big prize
ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Dick Vermeil was teary-eyed at the thought of winning his 100th NFL game Sunday, so what might the Chiefs coach do if he could get this season to, say, 111?
It's reasonable to expect that the Chiefs would then be Super Bowl champions, figuring a 12-4 regular-season record, two playoff wins and a Super Bowl victory.
Vermeil indicated Monday, a day after the Chiefs moved to 4-0 by beating Baltimore 17-10, that he believed the Chiefs are capable of getting him there this season.
Vermeil understands that a fast start guarantees nothing, particularly with the 4-0 Broncos clinging to their share of first place in the AFC West and coming to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. He knows the Chiefs have a long way to go before they can help make him the first coach to take three different teams to the Super Bowl.
But he also has seen enough to declare the Chiefs' success the real thing.
“This is no fluke,” Vermeil said. “This is a solid football team. I think it's a complete team. We have some areas that are stronger than other areas, but we have no weaknesses.”
By getting Vermeil to 100 so quickly this season, the Chiefs are giving him a chance to climb well beyond that in the long run. Vermeil said many times during the off-season that he would like to coach the Chiefs beyond the end of his contract next winter if he feels that they are making progress and that he is making a worthy contribution.
Vermeil has yet to commit himself to another season or more and is putting off any public talk so he can avoid becoming a distraction.
But he is clearly satisfied with the Chiefs' progress, particularly on defense, where repeated breakdowns last season cost them a chance to finish better than 8-8 and make the playoffs.
“I feel good about what my coaching staff is doing,” Vermeil said. “I'm the head coach, so I'd like to believe I'm part of it and make my contribution.
“There are many times I feel very confident I could just walk out of this building for two days and come back and see how it's going. They're all so efficient and organized and detailed and have a great work ethic. They don't need constant supervision and motivation.”
In his coaching stops from Philadelphia to St. Louis to Kansas City, Vermeil has always enjoyed the mammoth weekly task of preparing for a new opponent. He wouldn't be a football coach if he didn't.
This season's victories have provided him with a new zest for the task.
“Losing (stinks), the drudgery of it,” he said. “You go through the same routine, but the emotions go the other way. The challenges are greater and the expectations are greater, but I like being held to higher expectations. I like a football team to be held under the gun. I think it draws the most out of you.”
It's hardly news when Vermeil cries as he discusses his relationship with a player or a player's achievement. But it is unusual for him to break down while discussing a personal accomplishment, as he did in Baltimore after Sunday's game.
To commemorate the 100th victory, Chiefs president Carl Peterson presented a glass plaque to Vermeil in the post-game locker room, prompting the waterworks from his emotional coach.
“Very significant, very significant,” Vermeil said after the game. “…To be able to win 100 games means you owe a lot to a lot of people.”
That's just it. Vermeil doesn't look at winning his 100th game as a personal achievement for which only he can take the credit.
“I've never looked at things individually,” he said. “I was thinking of all the players and coaches that have been involved over the years.
“It made me, on the plane sitting talking with (wife) Carol about it, reminisce about the (Eagles players) Wilbert Montgomerys and the (Jerry) Sisemores and Bill Bergeys and on to the Rams and the Grant Wistroms and Orlando Paces and Kurt Warners and Marshall Faulks. And then here, all the people that made it possible.
“To me, it's a symbol of a lot of work by a lot of players and coaches over a long period of time.”
Vermeil knows he would be well beyond 100 regular-season and playoff wins if he hadn't taken a 14-season break from coaching between quitting the Eagles in 1982 and moving to the Rams in 1997.
But to Vermeil, arguments are moot about what he could have achieved had he stayed. He cited stress and burnout when he left Philadelphia.
“I've thought about it,” Vermeil said. “My first thought is that I would probably be in a mental institution. You think I'm kidding. I would have been close to some kind of a breakdown. I was moving that way.
“I'd probably be retired or fired if I had stayed in coaching.”
M-M, where's OneBgg? Is he OK ? e/
Thanks, M-M...
All the Spurs are in town and all the interviews I've seen and heard, indicate that everyone here is very happy to be here and the new guys want a Ring. The regulars want another Ring. So as they say, I too say, bring it on. Let's get this season going. I want to see Malone and Payton, huffing and puffing with their tongues dragging the floor. Oh, and ditto for Shaq. LOL
Funny thing, but my banker (OmniTrader) hasn't sent me any money since I put the two pics of Tony in the iBox. I wonder why? And EZTradin, sent me a bunch of sure fire stock trades to make today and everyone of them tanked. You think these Laker fans are holding some kind of grudge? LOL
Colt
TH, good luck this weekend. I imagine your rut up there is quite a bit earlier than down here. Deer down here are already pretty active with these nice, cool nights and mornings and very mild days. It should be great up in Pa.
Colt
Naw, Ruellit. Once they PM the photos, I can doctor them up with my Photo Lab Software. Let's keep this fact kind of quiet for now. The gals don't have to know about this. Then we can get Matt to disable their ability to see the iBox and we're home free. Oh man, the girls are already sending arrows through my monitor. Maybe we better re-think this. LOL
Colt prefers life to death...
Amen, send em in. We have plenty of room in the iBox. Colt