NFL Thread

[Kip Hackman]

As far as I know, it was only that one woman complaining about her child being offended.

 

I go to a lot of message boards for different teams. It's not only one woman. I'd say it's about half the fans, with the other half defending him.

[topanga]

 

 

As far as I know, it was only that one woman complaining about her child being offended.

I guess I'm missing what was offensive about Cam's dance. Seriously, I've only seen it once. Does he gyrate his pelvis or do hip thrusts or throw a Hitler salute? To me Cam looks like a guy who isn't a great dancer but is trying his hardest to look cool. Corny, maybe. But offensive? 

[FuriousStyles]

The way I see it, if there's 1 woman who decided to waste her time to write that bogus letter, there's 100 more who felt the same but just didnt write a letter. But I bet if Cam spent a day retweeting the racist comments he's gotten it would without a doubt put an end to this debate.

We've got a guy in a presser referencing grits and collard greens. I could just imagine the flurry of n-word bombs that were dropped just because of that! Much less because he's "dabbin' on folks" and just embarassing a fan's favorite team.

[ganesh]

But I bet if Cam spent a day retweeting the racist comments he's gotten it would without a doubt put an end to this debate.

 

And if Cam admits that some of the fans have been racist to him and it kind of hurts his feelings he'd be vilified. It's not like the league is going to take a stand on that.

 

Which is really lame because as corrupt as international and professional soccer is, they have a huge thing telling fans not to be racist.  

[topanga]

 

We've got a guy in a presser referencing grits and collard greens. I could just imagine the flurry of n-word bombs that were dropped just because of that! Much less because he's "dabbin' on folks" and just embarassing a fan's favorite team.

But white people in the South eat grits and collard greens, too! The only thing I don't like about Cam Newton's press conferences is that he always wears his do-rag or a hat. Dude, uncover your head. Is there something wrong with Cam's hair? Is he going bald? Not if his commercials are any indication. 

 

And I know I sound like a broken record, but what about white players dancing in the end-zone or on the field? A few years ago J.J. Watt became famous on "Dancing With the Starters" for his rendition of the Nae Nae. Okay, maybe 'famous' is stretching it. But he was featured on that segment of NFL Access.

 

I still think Cam Newton is overall a great football player on the field and a pretty clean-cut guy off the field. I hate that dancing and racism are dominating some pre-Super Bowl conversations. Can't we do like we usually do and just go on and on ad nauseam about which defense will neutralize which offense, and which great team will be exposed in the Super Bowl?

[FuriousStyles]

And if Cam admits that some of the fans have been racist to him and it kind of hurts his feelings he'd be vilified. It's not like the league is going to take a stand on that.

Which is really lame because as corrupt as international and professional soccer is, they have a huge thing telling fans not to be racist.

Well my point on Cam retweeting the racist comments wasnt about the NFL and what they would or wouldnt do about it, it was about this debate in the media and amongst us here regarding whether the criticism Cam receives (if any at all) is racially motivated. He would provide undeniable proof that some of it is. But I dont think he'd ever do that, and im not really advocating that he should.

And yes of course white people in the South eat grits and collard greens. Just like white people in every corner of this country eat fried chicken and watermelon, but that doesnt mean those foods, for whatever reason, are more attached to black people. As if we're the only race who eats those things or that we eat more of it than everybody else.

[ganesh]

Yea, I know. I'm saying if he actually did, he'd get ripped on it, partially because the league is awful on racial issues. Also, proving my initial point as well. 

[Constantinople]

I still think Cam Newton is overall a great football player on the field and a pretty clean-cut guy off the field. I hate that dancing and racism are dominating some pre-Super Bowl conversations. Can't we do like we usually do and just go on and on ad nauseam about which defense will neutralize which offense, and which great team will be exposed in the Super Bowl?

Are you talking about here in this thread or in the sports world in general?

I ask because in the latter, the 2 weeks is spent on all kinds of stupid shit like

 

• If you simulated Broncos/Panthers 1,000 times on Madden 2015, how many times would the game be decided in overtime by Cam/Peyton returning a kickoff for a touchdown?

   

• What color scheme will/should the Broncos wear (it's my understanding that orange hasn't been good to them in the Super Bowl)

   

• The bet between the Mayors/Governors of the respective cities/states (Rocky Mountain Oysters vs. Pulled Pork?)

   

• Celebrity fans of each team

   

• Blah, Blah, Blah

 

I'm glad there's 2 weeks between the conference championships and the SB so that teams have a little more time to rest and recover.  But it's still the longest pregame in the history of sports.

Yeesh.

[Mountainair]

You're not going to abuse that poor child by making him watch the Super Bowl without a jersey are you?  :-)

 

 

 

No, of course not. I didn't get him an actual jersey but I did go out and buy him a Super Bowl 50 jersey like t-shirt with the number 1 on it and Cam Newtons name on the back. He was thrilled beyond measure. I also bought my yet to be born daughter a onesie with a picture of Cam doing his Superman pose on it. 

 

Seriously though, I've been immune to most of the racial talk simply because I live in Panther country and the people I surround myself with could care less that Cam Newton is not a white guy. We are all just happy to see "our" team make it to the Super Bowl. It's disheartening to hear the national media only discussing race. I get its the hot topic at the moment but discuss something else. Anything. Move on and it might not be such a big deal. 

[Bastet]

I'm glad there's 2 weeks between the conference championships and the SB so that teams have a little more time to rest and recover.  But it's still the longest pregame in the history of sports.

 

Boy howdy.  No matter who is playing - even when it's the Giants - I watch little to no sports media during those two weeks.  I'd have to sit through five hours of ridiculous, killing time blather to cobble together a combined ten minutes of useful information.  I'll read some analysis in the immediate aftermath of the two championship games and again a day or so before the Super Bowl, but otherwise I stay away. 

[Minneapple]

I still think Cam Newton is overall a great football player on the field and a pretty clean-cut guy off the field.

 

Well, except for the stolen laptop and the $250K NCAA violation....

 

I guess you could put the laptop down to youthful indiscretion, though. He hasn't done anything wrong since he's been drafted.

[xaxat]

Jerry Jones is 'surprised' by Cowboys' 20-year Super Bowl drought

 

Hmmm, let me think. . . what one thing has been a constant during that period?

[nowandlater]

Jerry Jones is 'surprised' by Cowboys' 20-year Super Bowl drought

 

Hmmm, let me think. . . what one thing has been a constant during that period?

 

Poor guy...the only way to make it back to the Super Bowl is if he surrenders control. But he would really, really hate his life if surrendered control.

Well, except for the stolen laptop and the $250K NCAA violation....

 

I guess you could put the laptop down to youthful indiscretion, though. He hasn't done anything wrong since he's been drafted.

 

 

Yup, this Super Bowl essentially comes down to 2 QBs with less-than-stellar behavior in college.

 

http://thebiglead.com/2014/09/18/peyton-manning-1996-tennessee-lawsuit-trainer-bare-butt-mooning/

 

[Crs97]

Yep, they both did stupid things in college.  I know Peyton reimbursed the university for the fine/settlement cost.  Did Cam make restitution as well?

[pennben]

There was no need, the NCAA found no proof of major violation in Cam's (or more accurately Cam's father's) case, so no penalty to Auburn.

[xaxat]

I heard an interview with ex player Domonique Foxworth and he had some really smart things to say.  He went on to get a Harvard MBA after he retired and he was saying that teams need to rethink how they structure coaching and hiring in the league. Unfortunately, the interview was short (I think it was on WFAN) and I don't remember the details of his arguments, but he made a compelling case for, using GMs as head coaches, changing the structure of decision making on the field (he specifically mentioned clock management and Andy Reid) and a couple other things I found interesting. I assume some of this is based on what he learned about management at Harvard.

 

This is the guy Cleveland should have tried to hire if they really wanted to shake things up.

Edited January 28, 2016 by xaxat

[merylinkid]

Jerry Jones also said "the three Super Bowls I was involved in."   No, Jerry, Jimmy Johnson kept your involvement to a minimum, that's why they won 3 Super Bowls.  It's also why you fired him.   You wanted credit for it.   But you refuse to accept credit for your stupidity is why they haven't been back.

 

 

Signed,

a depressed Cowboys fan

[nowandlater]

I'm so excited: On Saturday I'm going to walk 20 minutes to my local BART station in Oakland and take the 20-minute subway ride to Super Bowl City in San Francisco.

 

Thankfully, I'm unaffected by Super Bowl Week(s)...meanwhile, San Franciscans have faced gridlock all week (they shut down a key part of the city starting Monday) to build "Super Bowl City" while shipping the homeless people to another part of the city.

 

http://gizmodo.com/san-francisco-is-pretty-pissed-about-the-super-bowl-com-1755589725

 

Meanwhile, people keep vandalizing these Superb Owl signs, such as the one below outside the Full House house.

 

Edited January 29, 2016 by nowandlater

[mojoween]

That is incredibly uncool. Why do people have to destroy what is not theirs?

Edited January 29, 2016 by mojoween

[xaxat]

NFL's Ticket Rules Said to Be Subject of Antitrust Investigation

 

Will Goodell ever be able to leave his bunker in an undisclosed location?

[nowandlater]

That is incredibly uncool. Why do people have to destroy what is not theirs?

 

 

[Rick Kitchen]

Wait, is that the famous Left Shark?

[pennben]

I was hoping to see the Left Shark with the Superb Owl:)

[AimingforYoko]

I have to admit, I laughed at the "Sup, bro." I'm not proud of it.

[ganesh]

he made a compelling case for, using GMs as head coaches, changing the structure of decision making on the field (he specifically mentioned clock management and Andy Reid) and a couple other things I found interesting.

 

I'm not seeing a lot of innovations on the field much either. You'd think someone would come in and try something new. 

 

Given that the game is in Santa Clara, I'm not surprised that SFers aren't too pleased with all the congestion, etc., in the city. People still have to get to work, especially if you need mass transit and they've just shut down stuff from what I read. 

[BitterApple]

I have to admit, I laughed at the "Sup, bro." I'm not proud of it.

I did as well. I don't support people vandalizing property, but yeah, that shit was funny.

[mojoween]

Jon Clayton ranks all 49 Super Bowls

His number one choice is ok, but I would put his fifth choice first and then his first choice second and his sixth choice third even though I nearly cried at the outcome of that one because I hated the Rams and Kurt Warner and adored Steve McNair.

Super Bowl 49 sucked and does not deserve second place, but I may be biased because a. I love Russell Wilson b. I am fond of the Seahawks as a whole and c. Tom Brady can fuck a duck.

Otherwise I haven't made it through the rest of his list yet.

[ganesh]

I'm going to make a list of all the silly lists being made for this superbowl.

[Danny Franks]

Jerry Jones also said "the three Super Bowls I was involved in."   No, Jerry, Jimmy Johnson kept your involvement to a minimum, that's why they won 3 Super Bowls.  It's also why you fired him.   You wanted credit for it.   But you refuse to accept credit for your stupidity is why they haven't been back.

 

 

Signed,

a depressed Cowboys fan

 

I'm honestly surprised he didn't just say, "the three Super Bowls I won". Jerruh seems like just the sort of guy to try erasing the contributions of people he fell out with, while simultaneously aggrandising his own contributions.

 

Yep, they both did stupid things in college.  I know Peyton reimbursed the university for the fine/settlement cost.  Did Cam make restitution as well?

 

 

I'm of the view that as many players as possible should rip their colleges off for as much money as possible, to get around that 'student athlete' bullshit. The colleges make hundreds of millions, the coaches make millions, the players "get an education". Hell, if colleges treated their players more fairly, and made sure they had a place to live and food to eat while at school, maybe a few more might stick around for more than the minimum amount of time required to become eligible for the draft.

[DrSpaceman73]

What Peyton Manning did in college to the trainer was stupid and unprofessional and sexist and many bad things. It was also 20 years ago when he was a teenager. It seems to have been a brief, one time thing, likely he was not the first or the only athlete that pulled that stunt at Tennessee or ever. Not defending it, it should not happen, but I am glad no one drags up some of the stupid things I did as a teenager. Also from all accounts he had close relationships with the trainers, staff, equipment managers and everyone who worked with the Colts and always treated them with respect. SI article from two years ago when he went back to Indy for his first game as an opposing QB in Lucas Oil Stadium detailed this.

As for Cam and his college indiscretions of a different nature, living in Charlotte, this was one of the reasons I was hesitant about the Panthers choosing him #1. That and the fact that I was not sure he could transition from the college to pro style offense. You can complain about his celebrating too much I suppose if you want. I have no problem with it myself. If that's the worst you can say, though, about him as a players, it's pretty weak. Some opposing fans may not like his excessive celebrations, but he has proven to be a team leader, is well liked and respected by the team, both coaches and fellow players, has caused no off the field problems for the team whatsoever and has been everything you expect out of a #1 pick that just signed a $100 million or so contract in the offseason. he has earned his money this year.

I'm honestly surprised he didn't just say, "the three Super Bowls I won". Jerruh seems like just the sort of guy to try erasing the contributions of people he fell out with, while simultaneously aggrandising his own contributions.

 

 

I'm of the view that as many players as possible should rip their colleges off for as much money as possible, to get around that 'student athlete' bullshit. The colleges make hundreds of millions, the coaches make millions, the players "get an education". Hell, if colleges treated their players more fairly, and made sure they had a place to live and food to eat while at school, maybe a few more might stick around for more than the minimum amount of time required to become eligible for the draft.

While they do provide a place to live and food to eat, in general, I agree with you. The NCAA needs to move into the 21st century and stop acting like they don't profit in the billions off the athletes while providing them with the absolute minimum they can get away with during their time in school. I have long thought they should just let the athletes do autograph signings, ads, profit off their image while in college. That is not the same as being paid top play. The idea that because you go to a certain college the NCAA and the college own not just your athletic ability, essentially, but also owns your persona, likeness and marketability is a complete joke and totally unfair. I hate to defend Johnny Manziel, but really, there is no reason he, while in college, or anyone else for that matter, should not have been able to sign autographs or sell his own stuff.

[nowandlater]

Here's USA Today's ranking of all Super Bowls.

 

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/01/best-super-bowl-team-winner-ranking-best-nfl-team-ever-super-bowl-50-redskins-49ers-cowboys-packers-patriots

 

Here in the Bay Area people like to protest, and I've been wondering how protesters are going to disrupt the festivities (a few weeks ago on MLK Day, protestesrs parked their cars and chained themselves to the Bay Bridge).

 

Well, it looks like when I visit Super Bowl City tomorrow, there will be an influx of people protesting a police shooting. THat'll be the beginning.

[ganesh]

I'm of the view that as many players as possible should rip their colleges off for as much money as possible, to get around that 'student athlete' bullshit.

 

Not necessarily rip people off, but hey, weird, everyone's wearing #2, and that's my number. Where's my cut? Similarly, charging for an appearance fee or something. I don't think they should get free cars or steal stuff. I really was hoping there would have been more to the unionization effort. 

[xaxat]

Texas A&M charged boosters to sit next to Johnny at an event.

 

If that's not flat out pimping, then I don't know what is. 

[mojoween]

They didn't make a big deal about Manziel fighting with his GF last month. Now there was another altercation that involved the police.

When is enough enough with this damn kid?

[xaxat]

They didn't make a big deal about Manziel fighting with his GF last month.

 

Looks like they are at it again. Report: Police Question Johnny Manziel Over An "Altercation" With His Girlfriend

 

I think he might have partied his way out of the league. Jerry Jones is Manziel's only hope now, but at this point even he has to be considering the other Heisman winning QB from Texas, RGIII.

[merylinkid]

Especially if the DV with Jonny continues.   After what he went through with Greg Hardy and discovering that abusers are just not good people to have around in general, he would be a fool to sign another one.

 

But this is Jerry Jones were are talking about here.   ANYTHING can happen.

[yourpointis]

Las Vegas Raiders? City and team want you to believe in it

 

 

First the NFL doesn't want a team in Vegas because it doesn't want to legalize gambling and now its good PR? 

[BitterApple]

22 year-old multimillionaires playing pro ball in Vegas? What could possibly go wrong?

[ganesh]

There'll be an NHL and NBA team in Las Vegas well before the NFL. 

[merylinkid]

Las Vegas is the new stick to get cities to cough up a stadium.   I guess San Antonio was not frightening enough.   Remember it took 20 years to get a team back to LA.   No one is going to Vegas in the couple of years.

[ganesh]

I can buy that. I'd question whether Las Vegas could support an NFL team.

[BitterApple]

I can buy that. I'd question whether Las Vegas could support an NFL team.

It depends. I live in Vegas and half the city is SoCal transplants, so the Raiders would stand a better chance than most. However, the downside is the population here is very transient and most of us are hard core fans of the teams we grew up with. I don't know if they'd be able to sell enough tickets to make it worthwhile.

[xaxat]

I can buy that. I'd question whether Las Vegas could support an NFL team.

 

I think they can. The media rights/revenue sharing/salary cap model of the NFL can support a franchise in Green Bay so why not a city with five times the population? In addition, you have the prospect of casinos buying tickets to give their favorite customers.

 

At this point, the revenue from attendance is secondary to the national media rights the the NFL commands. I'm not sure what the latest numbers are, but attendance has been declining for a couple of seasons with no effect on the overall health of the league. 

Edited January 30, 2016 by xaxat

[ganesh]

Green Bay is publicly owned, technically, so that's not the best example. And they're "from" there so there's more of an investment. 

 

I was thinking more of Las Vegans supporting and filling a 75K stadium. If you're going the comped tickets for tourists, corporate events, etc., since there's so many conventions, honestly, an NBA team makes better sense because there's 40 home dates. So you're organizing a convention and can get a block of tickets for a Thursday night game. Easier to fill the arena. Rather than 8 home dates and you're expecting people to sit outside in 90 degree heat in September. 

[merylinkid]

Jacksonville's stadium is not filled for most of the games.   San Diego has had trouble filling Jack Murphy for years.   The Skins keep taking out seats to hide the fact it's not full.

 

If they play well, they will come.   And Raiders fans do travel well.   They have to.  

[AimingforYoko]

 

Rather than 8 home dates and you're expecting people to sit outside in 90 degree heat in September.

It's going to be domed, right? Like Arizona's stadium?

 

In other news, former Rams coach Mike Martz is upset that Terrell Owens jumped ahead of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt for the HoF. Is he for real? T.O was a complete pain in the ass, but he's a slam dunk Hall of Famer.

[ganesh]

Oh, I supposed it would have to be domed. I didn't think of that. 

 

I still think an NBA franchise is better for the city in terms of economics. Plus it could be located closer to the city proper. 

[nowandlater]

So I visited Super Bowl City yesterday. It was super crowded, but really not all that interesting. Just a lot of activity stuff to do with the kids, long lines to wait for an NFL player you never heard of, and lots and lots of sponsors. (There is a separate event called the "NFL Experience" featuring the Super Bowl trophy and every Super Bowl ring, but that costs $35. Super Bowl City, on the other hand, is free (after you go through the metal detectors).

 

Here are some pics (apologies in advance for the long post.

 

The Super Bowl City volunteers were dressed in Broncos color(s) for some reason.

 

 

I saw a lot (but not too many) people in Cam Newton jerseys. But mostly people were sporting their 49ers clothing.

 

 

The 100-year-old Ferry Building has had the "50" on it for the last 2 months.

 

 

 

This building is about a mile from Super Bowl City.

 

 

This building is about 2 miles away. That banner is really long.

 

 

 

This is the now-repaired "Sup Bro" statue thingee. When I went by there a busload of Asian tourists were surrounding it.

 

 

 

 

The Riot Police blocked the main approach to Super Bowl City in response to a major protest. So everybody had to take a circuitous longer route via the side.

 

 

 

These kiosks were all over Market Street.

 

Edited January 31, 2016 by nowandlater

[BitterApple]

Cool pics, nowandlater!!!

[Popples]

Calvin Johnson is planning to retire. First Barry Sanders and now Megatron, two fantastic players stuck with a terrible franchise.