Philadelphia Union and WPVI/6ABC form Partnership

Given their ties to Sports and Entertainment powerhouse ESPN, it seemed only natural that the perennial No 1 rated television station in town would partner with the MLS expansion Philadelphia Union.

Union President Tom Veit and WPVI/6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica jointly announced today that the club has indeed entered into a multi--year partnership with the long established leader among local television stations.

The partnership will give WPVI broadcast rights to many of the soccer club’s games, starting in March. With the Major League Soccer schedule soon to be released, the commitment is for as many Philadelphia Union games as possible to be carried live on 6abc, and all games re-broadcast on 6abc’s digital channel – 6.2 (also known as the Live Well HD Network).

Of course it was announced last week, that long time MLS and ESPN commentator, JP Dellacamera, would be the lead commentator for Union games in their inaugural season. Dellacamera without question, one of the best football (soccer) announcers in the game.

No word yet on if the team has made a decision to add a second announcer in the broadcast booth, many European clubs only use one announcer. Trust me; Dellacamera is more than capable of handling this choir if asked.

The only question surrounding Dellacamera, is who will replace him this summer (June 11--July11), when he heads off to South Africa to call World Cup Games. A typical Major League Soccer season with play-offs, runs March-to-November. Dellacamera would miss about6--7 Union Games.

The only other speculation prior to today’s partnership announcement between the Union and WPVI/6abc, was whether or not the local all sports station, Comcast Sportsnet would pick-up some of those broadcasts.

Given Comcast’s commitment to the Philadelphia Phillies, scheduling time would have been tighter than that belt buckle after Thanksgiving dinner.

Do however look for Sportsnet to pick up coverage of some games for the WPS (women’s pro soccer) expansion Philadelphia Independence, who also kick off their inaugural season this spring.

Akers and Dawkins Selected to NFL All Decade Team

Given the average career span of today’s NFL player, being named to the leagues all decade team is as much an honor as it is a testament to survival. Let’s face it, the American game of football is one of the most violent sports on the face of the Earth.

With all due respect to my Rugby and Aussie Rules football playing friends, the dynamics are just a bit different, but yes your sport is pretty violent too.

Now, with that disclaimer aside, we move on. The NFL All-Decade teams are selected every 10 years by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection Committee. This selection will be the ninth of its kind in league history.

This decade’s 53-player team will be comprised of two quarterbacks, four running backs, one fullback, four wide receivers, two tight ends, four offensive tackles, four guards, two centers, four defensive tackles, four defensive ends, six linebackers, four cornerbacks, four safeties, two kickers, two punters, two kick returners and two punt returners. Two head coaches have also been chosen.

The entire team will be announced prior to this Sundays Pro Bowl on a special edition of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown (5:30 p.m. ET).

12 participants of Sundays Pro Bowl are members of the all decade team and those players include the following:

PLAYER..................... PRO BOWLS
TE Antonio Gates............... 6
G Alan Faneca .....................9
G Steve Hutchinson........... 7
C Kevin Mawae................... 8
DE Julius Peppers ..............5
LB Ray Lewis ....................10
LB DeMarcus Ware............4
CB Champ Bailey ................9
S Brian Dawkins ..................8
P Shane Lechler ..................4
K David Akers..................... 4
KR Joshua Cribbs ...............2

*As far as his selection to the All Decade team, Akers had this to say: “A lot of it goes to the consistency of the team, and of the team having confidence in me, from Mr. Lurie and Andy Reid on down. It keeps your confidence up. I have worked extremely hard over the years and I will continue to do so. I would like to play many more years with the Eagles. That would be a great, great thing."

a tremendous honor for me to be recognized as one of the best out of all the safeties who have played in the NFLx this decade,” says Denver safety Brian Dawkins, who was selected to his eighth career Pro Bowl and is one of the four All-Decade safeties. “To know I’ve been able to do the things I’ve been able to do, with the help of my teammates, to earn a spot on the league’s All-Decade Team means a lot.”

You can also add Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Darren Sharper of the Saints. All three players were Pro Bowl selections but will opt out of the all star classic to continue preparations for the Super Bowl.

I’m not crazy about Josua Cribbs as the all Decade kick returner given the fact at he only has two pro bowls to his resume, but I’ll leave it to you try and change my mind. I prefer former Chief Dante Hall or former Redskin/Eagle/Giant Brian Mitchell.

* Akers quotes courtesy Philadelphia Eagles.
**Dawkins quote courtesy Denver Broncos

Super Bowl XX: The Definition of Dominance

Wow, has it really been 24 years? Jan 26, 1986. Super Bowl XX, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tony Eason and the New England Patriots, against Jim McMahon and the Chicago Bears.

After watching the Super Bowl on TV as a kid, I couldn’t believe I was actually there to cover the big game in person. It was just my second year in television so I was still a little wet behind the ears.

At the time, I was working for Channel 9, WMUR TV in Manchester, N.H. and was in the Big Easy as part of the media contingent covering the Patriots.

That year the Pats were actually a surprise Super Bowl suitor given the teams they had the beat to get there. After finishing the regular season with a record of 11-5 and in third place behind the Dolphins and Jets in the AFC East, New England’s ticket to New Orleans consisted of three wildcard road wins against the Jets (26-14), Raiders (27-20) and Dolphins (31-14).

Ironically, Miami was the only team that season to beat the Bears, who arrived on Bourbon Street with a gaudy record of 18-1, following play-off wins over the Giants (21-0) and the Los Angeles Rams (24-0).

Yep, back to back play-off shutouts, but no surprise really when you consider at the time the Bears where in the record books as one of the best defenses ever in league history.

That year, the Bears, "46 Zone" defense, allowed the fewest points (198), total yards (4,135), and fewest yards rushing (1,319). They also led the league with thirty-four interceptions.

Unfortunately for New England, Chicago’s defense stayed the course that Super Bowl Sunday, After letting the Pats jump out to a 3-0 lead behind a 36 yard Tony Franklin field goal, the game for all intensive purposes, was over.

The Bears then outscored the Pats 46-7 while on their way to the eventual 46-10 victory.
Chicago outmatched New England on both sides of the ball that day and to give you an idea of just how dominating Chicago’s defense was, The Patriots offense was held to negative 19 yards throughout the entire first half, and just 123 total yards in the entire game, the second lowest total in Super Bowl history.

Bears defensive end Richard Dent, won the game Most Valuable Player award, after recording a sack and a half, forcing two fumbles, and blocking a pass.

Super Bowl XX was somewhat bitter sweet for me. The team I was sent to cover just got simply crushed, but on a personal note I had a chance that week to come face to face, several times with one of my all time favorite players, Walter “Sweetness” Payton.

By the way, the Bears were so confident they were going to win the Super Bowl that year, they even produced a music video called the “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” during week 14 of the regular season.

The initial production of the video however, was a little I’ll timed, The Bears went into the studio to record the track the Tuesday after their first and only loss of the season to the Dolphins.

Hey Jimmy, Great Catch!

Like most employers, the Philadelphia Phillies frown upon co-workers having romantic relationships, after-all, employees are supposed to be concentrating on their work and not each other.

Unfortunately there are those few occasions when the heart wants, what the heart wants, no matter what the rules. Such was the case with Phillies short stop Jimmy Rollins, who one day ventured up from the Phil’s clubhouse and into the teams front offices. What happened next was really no fault of Jimmy’s, because once cupid hits you with that love at first sight arrow, all bets are off.

Her name was Johari Smith, a fitness instructor from the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, who at the time was working as an intern for the Phillies. The rest as they saw was history.

On Saturday, Jan. 23, Johari and Jimmy tied the knot in front of friends, family and teammates at the Ritz-Carlton hotel on the West Caribbean island of Grand Cayman. Former Phillie outfielder Bobby Abreu was one of Rollin’s groomsmen.

As wonderful as I’m sure the wedding was the couple will also have one other memory to remember the week by. Tuesday morning, just five days before the I do’s and throwing of the garter, Grand Cayman was rocked by a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. According to most reports, the quake, hit around 9:23 that morning, but lasted no more than 10 to 15 seconds.

Certainly doesn’t seem like a long time, but given the outcome of Haiti’s horrific earthquake, what were the future Mr. and Mrs. Rollin’s thinking at that moment.

I remember as soon as I heard about the Grand Cayman Quake, I called Jimmy’s agent Chris Cabott, who assured me that Jimmy, Johari and the rest of the wedding party were alright and that he would be joining them for the nuptials at the end of the week.

Thank goodness all was well. I couldn’t help but think about what would have happened, had a more severe quake hit five days later with all those Phillies players and team personnel in attendance.

Congratulations Jimmy and Johari and good luck and good health. Oh and by the way, Phillies players are no longer allowed in the teams front offices.

Allern Iverson: Flexing His All Star Muscle

It wasn’t that long ago that Allen Iverson had contemplated retirement, until Philadelphia asked him to rethink his decision and return to the city where his NBA Career Started.

On Dec. 3, 2009 A-I signed a free agent contract with the Sixers and to date has started 16 games, averaging 14.8 points, 4.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game. He is also shooting a career-high tying 46.1% from the floor this season.

Tonight, the 34 year old Iverson was named a starter for the Eastern Conference All Star Game. It is Iverson's 11th straight All-Star appearance and his first as a Sixer since 2006, which is also the last time Philadelphia has had a player in the All-Star Game.

"I just want to thank everybody for their support this season and it's an honor that the fans have voted me into the All-Star Game as a starter," Iverson said. "The fans are who make us and make the NBA so popular. This year is even more special because that I'll be representing a city and fans that I love and a team that has been such a big part of my life throughout my career."

Iverson finished second among Eastern Conference guards with 1,269,568 votes, trailing only Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade at the position, despite appearing on the All-Star ballot among Western Conference guards.

A two-time All-Star Game MVP in 2001 and 2005, Iverson becomes just the 26th player in league history to earn at least 11 All-Star appearances. The 34-year-old made his first All-Star team at the age of 24 back in 2000.

I was actually at last nights Sixers-Trail Blazers game here in Philly and while it’s clear Allen has lost a step or two, there were still flashes of the Iverson that NBA fans had come to appreciate over the years, like that vintage fall away jumper.

Iverson recently played the 900th game of his career vs. Toronto on January 8, 2010. He is 24 steals away from becoming the 12th player in league history to accumulate 2,000 career steals.

The Sixers selected Iverson with the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. In 2001, he helped guide the Sixers to the NBA Finals, earning the league's Most Valuable Player award that season for his efforts.

Iverson has been named to a total of seven All-NBA teams (First Team in 1998-99, 2000-01 and 2004-05; Second Team in 1999-00, 2001-02 and 2002-03; Third Team in 2005-06). He led the NBA in scoring four times as a Sixer, becoming one of only four players in league history to capture four-plus scoring titles. Iverson is also the second leading scorer in franchise history, trailing only Hal Greer.

Note: Iverson quote courtesy Philadelphia Seventy Sixers.

Jon Dorenbos: A Long Shot at Long Snapper

Courtesy: Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles today announced that long snapper Jon Dorenbos has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster today as a need player. For Dorenbos, it marks his first Pro Bowl berth of his eight-year NFL career.

He becomes the seventh Eagles player to be officially named to the NFC squad this season, joining David Akers, Trent Cole, DeSean Jackson, Jason Peters, Asante Samuel, and Leonard Weaver. Dorenbos becomes the 2nd Eagles long snapper to garner Pro Bowl honors, joining Mike Bartrum who played for the NFC squad following the 2005 campaign.

In 2009, Dorenbos helped the Eagles kicking game achieve some lofty marks as Akers, a fellow Pro Bowl pick as well as an All-Pro selection, led the NFC with 139 points after booting 32 of 37 field goal attempts, including 12 from 40+ yards. In addition, punter Sav Rocca set a franchise record with a 38.3 net punting average.

After battling a tremendous amount of personal adversity early in life, Dorenbos has worked hard and stayed focused enough to carve out a career as a NFL long snapper.

Originally signed by Philadelphia in the latter half of the 2006 season, Dorenbos has played in every game for the Eagles since then (including postseason) and inked a five-year contract extension in 2007, which will keep him in Philadelphia through 2012.

Dorenbos, who endured the murder of his mother by his father at a young age, took up magic to help ease his mind throughout the tough times. Dorenbos, in fact, has become so good at his craft that he has been hired for shows in Hollywood and Las Vegas.

There is a good chance the Eagles could also add an eighth player to the pro-bowl roster. Donovan McNabb, an NFC alternate at QB, could replace pro bowler Drew Brees or Brett Favre considering one of those two players will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday.

Mwanga Scores Number One Pick

The fact that the MLS expansion Philadelphia Union selected Oregon State forward Danny Mwanga with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, was perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in Major League Soccer.

As a matter of fact, Union head coach Peter Nowak did all he could to get the folks at Generation Adidas to sign the 18-year-old Congolese forward, so that he would be available for the draft and not wander off to Europe to play.

So, if it was such a forgone conclusion that Mwanga was the man, why was Danny up so late the night before the draft writing on his facebook page that he was nervous?

“I wasn’t really sure, people were putting on the internet that I could be a number one pick but I wasn’t really sure,” Mwanga said, “I didn’t want to worry about it too much; I was just hoping that I get picked first, so I could come here.”

“We think Danny is a solid player,” said Nowak. “He’s going to contribute a lot to our club and we’re excited. Danny can do so many things and he has a tremendous work ethic. When I spoke to him, I could hear his energy. He knows how I am and what I expect. I know he’ll be a terrific addition to our team because of the character qualities he has.”

By the way, he’s not a bad little player.

During his first two seasons at Oregon State Mwanga was grabbing almost every accolade in sight; PAC-10 Freshman of the Year in 2008 and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2009. This past season, he led the conference in multiple offensive categories including goals scored (14), points per game (1.67), goals per game (0.78) and game-winning goals (5).
So we kind of had an inkling the Union would make Mwanga their No. 1 pick, but I’m not sure any of us saw what was coming in the 24 hours leading up to the draft.

Two trades; One the night prior, that had Philadelphia sending their No. 1 allocation ranking to D.C., in exchange for allocation money, D.C. United’s 2010 MLS SuperDraft first round pick (No. 7 overall) and Brazilian midfielder Fred.

The United, by the way, used that allocation to obtain 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Troy Perkins.

Then just two hours before the draft, trade number two. Philadelphia sending allocation money to F.C. Dallas, in exchange for the overall No. 6 pick in the draft. All of a sudden, the Union with a trio of first round choices. Oh and did I mention they also had the top pick in rounds 2, 3, and 4.

So with their second selection in the first round, Philadelphia stayed out west and snagged 18-year-old UCLA midfielder Amobi Okugo. A two-time Parade All-American in high school, he earned Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors this past season. Okugo played with the U-20 Mens National Team at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championships and with the U-18 MNT at the 2009 Australian Youth Festival, scoring two goals in three games.

Then just one pick later at No. 7, the Union drafted Jack McInerney, a member of the U-17 MNT. McInerney appeared in all four games for the U.S. in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring two goals in helping the squad to the Round of 16. By the way during his podium speech he wished his sister Casey a happy 16th birthday.

As far as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks: Philadelphia chose 24-year-old UConn Midfielder Toni Stahl, from Tuusula, Finland. Stahl, the 17th overall pick, earned Big East Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 and was an All-Big East first team member in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The 33rd overall pick in the draft was 21-year-old UCLA midfielder Kyle Nakazawa, A 2009 semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy awarded to the best player in college soccer. Nakazawa was also in the U.S. Under-20 National Team pool.

Last but certainly not least, the 49th overall pick, UCLA goalkeeper Brian Park, who was voted a second-team NSCAA All-American and first-team All-Pac-10 honoree in 2009, as well as Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Season first team selection.

The keeper led the Pac-10 in goals against average (0.87) and recorded four shutouts and 53 saves. His 241 career saves rank him fourth on UCLA's all-time list. Park was also the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. at the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the 2009 CONCACAF Under-20.

So there you have it, the first ever SuperDraft in Philadelphia Union history as the franchise captures what they hope are the building blocks to their future.

Union & United Pull Pre-Draft Trade: Philly Gets Fred

So much for the calm before the storm. On the eve of the teams first ever MLS Super Draft, Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz has once again worked his magic.

Sakiewicz pulling the trigger on a trade that allowed the expansion franchise to acquire allocation money, D.C. United’s 2010 MLS SuperDraft first round pick (#7 overall) and Brazilian midfielder Fred.

In exchange, Philadelphia sent their #1 allocation ranking to D.C., which United used to obtain 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Troy Perkins. Philadelphia now holds the #6 spot in the allocation rankings.

“Fred is a quality footballer, with an attacking mentality and we took the opportunity to not only acquire him, but add the #7 pick overall plus valuable cash,” said Sakiewicz. “This deal enables us to continue to shape our team to compete both now and in the future,” said Team Manager Peter Nowak. “But we still have a lot of work to do.”

So, with two of the first seven picks, Philadelphia enters the SuperDraft with growing anticipation, not just within the organization but also among its ever growing supporters group, Son’s of Ben, who will be out in full force for tomorrows selection process.

In three full seasons with D.C. United, Fred made 60 starts, played in 72 games and had 11 goals and 16 assists. His best season came in 2007, when he notched seven goals and seven assists. Last year, Fred collected two goals and four assists in 23 games (17 starts). The Brazilian helped D.C. capture two trophies during his time with United – the 2007 Supporters’ Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.

Fred will reunite with former D.C. mid fielder, Andrew Jacobson who the Union plucked off the United roster during the MLS Expansion Draft.

Perkins meanwhile, returns to D.C. United and MLS after two years with Valerenga of the Norwegian first division.

Before transferring to Valerenga at the end of the 2007 season, Perkins spent his entire MLS career with D.C. United after signing with the club as an undrafted discovery player in March of 2004. In four seasons in the District, Perkins played in 77 games (all starts), and was the team’s number one goalkeeper during each of the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

His all-time record in League play is 36-19-22 with a career goals-against average of 1.22. His 36 wins, 274 saves, 19 shutouts and 1.22 goals-against average all place him second in United club history.

The MLS SuperDraft will take place tomorrow afternoon at the Philadelphia Convention center as part of the weekend long National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) convention.

Quiet Start to 63rd NSCAA Convention

The 63rd Annual National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention officially touched off yesterday here in Philadelphia, and did so in a quiet manner.

Really not much talk about on day one, although I did manage to grab and interview with Philadelphia Independence General Manager Terry Foley. Foley telling me the expansion WPS (Women’s pro soccer) franchise was looking forward to Fridays WPS Draft, in which they hold the 13th over-all pick; second selection in the second round.

By the way, make sure to check your bleacher report over the next few days as we will indeed keep an eye on every thing that happens here at the convention with both the WPS and MLS (major league soccer).

You can also count on extensive draft coverage from our talented team of WPS writers including a recap of the women’s and men’s drafts.

By the way, the MLS SuperDraft will actually take place today with the hometown Philadelphia Union holding the over-all number one pick, the no. 7 pick and the first pick in each successive round.

It’s expected to get quite festive a the Convention Center today as the Son’s of Ben Supporters club is expected to make in a strong showing to watch their club make it’s first ever SuperDraft Selections.

But I digress, because for the most part, there really wasn’t much to talk about on day one, the only other excitement I got was seeing North Carolina women’s coach Anson Dorrance , who by the way was sporting a knee brace. I also said hello to goal keeper Guru Tony DiCicco. Dicicco, the former U.S. Women’s national team coach and current Boston Breakers (wps) manager, was taking part in the NSCAA advanced goalkeeping symposium with some of the organizations top net minding instructors.

I have a great deal of respect for Dicicco and all of the NSCAA instructors. I currently carry both the NSCAA state and regional goalkeeping certifications.

There will definitely be a bigger buzz today here at the convention. In addition to the MLS SuperDraft, there will be several work shops, coaching clinics and over 300 vendors selling everything soccer, from group trips to Europe to the latest in equipment.

By the way since 1976, the NCSAA has held its convention here in the City of Brotherly Love nine times, including this year.

Three For the Money: Emery, Iverson and Vick

Emery, Iverson and Vick. Sounds kind of like a law firm doesn't it? Ironic when you consider at some point in their careers, all three of these athletes actually required the services of attorneys’.

That however is not the only thing Ray, Allen and Mike have in common, because in 2009 they also caused quite a stir in the city of Brotherly Love and for the “City that Loves you Back”, two of these athletes were welcomed with somewhat opened arms.

Can you guess which one wasn’t?

Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles shocked everyone when they signed Vick to a contract this summer, drawing the wrath of animal lovers everywhere. Financially it was a move that really didn’t hurt the team or its precious salary cap. Remember, at the end of 2006, Sports Illustrated magazine estimated Vick's annual income between his NFL salary and endorsements at $25.4 million, ranking him just below NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in a listing of highest earning athletes.

Then of course in August of 2007, Vick pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and was sent to prison for the better part of 2 years. With the loss of his NFL Salary and product endorsements, Michael had to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2008. The eagles signed him to a non-guaranteed $1.6 million dollar contract with a $5 million dollar option for 2010. So far the return on their investment has been that of a part time role in which he has completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and 1 TD to go along with 1 rushing td.

As for Flyers goal keeper Ray Emery, well his introduction to the fans of Philadelphia came earlier in the year. His signing coming after spending a season playing in Russia. Like Vick, Emery arrived with a some baggage, although his was more of the carry on variety and not the kind that gets you locked up for 23 months.

There were certainly no protesters lining up when word got out that the Emery ate a Cockroach on a $500 dollar bet with former Ottawa teammate Daniel Alfredsson. Hey, I know a little protein is good now and then, but come on peanut butter is a whole lot smoother and not as crunchy.

If you are a fan of You Tube, then maybe you have seen the video of Emery shoving and swatting his team trainer during a Russian league game. Emery had just been pulled after allowing three goals in the first period of a game. According to his agent, J.P. Barry, Emery didn't like being "pestered" by the trainer to wear a sponsor's hat. After the following mid-season break, Emery failed to report back to the team due to a financial dispute.


Philadelphia signed Emery to a one year, $1.5 million dollar contract in June of 2009.For their investment, Emery has played in 21 games, compiled a 901 save percentage, a 2.83 goals against average and had amassed an 11-8 record before an abdominal injury forced him to the sidelines.


Last but certainly not least, there is Allen Iverson. The former first round draft pick who dazzled the league during the 1996 season while on his way to NBA Rookie of year honors, just one of the many accolades Iverson has picked up along the way. Four times during his career he averaged 31 points a game or more for a season. Hoisted the All-Star Game MVP award and led the Seventy-Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001, the same year he collected league MVP honors. His career has without doubt been note worthy and some might even say Hall of Fame worthy.


None the less, A-I wore out his stay in Philadelphia and after a ten year tenure, was traded to the Denver Nuggets. Many fans were happy to see Allen go, but most were not. Let’s just say that during his absence, pro hoops in Philadelphia had been hell.

It is probably because of that reason Sixer fans were delighted when the team recently resigned the aging warrior to help fill an injury void at the guard position. The evidence of fan interest was on display when the team sold out the Wachovia Center for his first game back.


The Answer is certainly not the player he once was, which is why the team was able to sign him to a non-guaranteed $650,000 contract. A far Cry from the $70 million dollar deal he signed with Philadelphia back in 1999. By the way as of December 5th, Iverson getting a bit of a boost in salary as the sixers guaranteed the remainder of his prorated one-year contract worth $1.3 million. Iverson was signed by the Sixers as a free agent on Dec. 3.

In the 9 games since his return, Allen has averaged 12.3 points and 3.7 assists a game.not a huge impact, but he just looks like he belongs in a Seventy-Sixers uniform.


So just to recap, Emery, Iverson and Vick, three players who at one time or another were at the top of their games and making over a $100 million combined. Today their three combined salaries total about $4 million. Man talk about a recession.

Remembering Wilbert Montgomery

There are some wonderful blog sites on the internet and one of my favorite is Sportsthenandnow.com. The site is the creation of Dean Hybl and he has some wonderful contributing writers. I wanted to share this Blog with Eagles fans in advance of the birds heading south to battle the Cowboys. Enjoy.

Written by Dean Hybl
http://www.sportsthenandnow.com

As we prepare for the NFL Playoffs, we remember as the Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month a running back that enjoyed a tremendous playoff run to lead his team to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Though only 5-foot-10, Wilbert Montgomery was a workhorse running back during his career playing primarily for the Philadelphia Eagles.

A sixth round choice in the 1977 NFL Draft out of Abilene Christian University, Montgomery saw action primarily as a kick returner during his rookie year, but he gained 103 yards as the Eagles defeated the New York Jets 27-0 in the final game of the regular season. That performance proved to be the prelude to a great streak for both Montgomery and the Eagles.

In 1978 Montgomery moved into the starting lineup and earned his first Pro Bowl trip by rushing for 1,220 yards with an average of 4.7 yards per attempt. The Eagles posted a 9-7 record and reached the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

The following season, the Eagles finished with an 11-5 record and Montgomery was one of the best running backs in the league. He rushed for a career-high 1,512 yards to rank fourth in the NFL. He also caught 41 passes for 494 yards and led the NFL with 2,006 yards from scrimmage.

Injuries hampered Montgomery during the 1980 regular season as he played in only 12 games and rushed for 778 yards while catching 50 passes. Even with Montgomery missing significant action, the Eagles finished with a 12-4 record to win the NFC East Division and the top seed in the NFC Playoffs.

By the time the playoffs came along, Montgomery was healthy and ready to help the Eagles advance through the playoffs. He rushed for 74 yards and two touchdowns in an opening round victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In the NFC Championship Game, he rushed for a record 194 yards as the Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys 20-7 to advance to their first Super Bowl. Montgomery opened the scoring with a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and also had a 55-yard run in the game.

The Eagles lost the Super Bowl to the Oakland Raiders, but Montgomery had 44 yards rushing and 91 yards receiving in the game.

Montgomery registered the third 1,000-yard season of his career in 1981 as he gained 1,402 yards rushing. He also caught 49 passes for 521 yards. The Eagles finished with a 10-6 record to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season. However, they lost to the New York Giants in their only playoff game.

In the strike-shortened 1982 season, Montgomery rushed for 515 yards, but the Eagles finished with a 3-6 record to miss the playoffs.

After injuries limited him to only five games in 1983, Montgomery rebounded in 1984 to rush for 789 yards and catch a career-high 60 passes for 501 yards. Montgomery finished his career with the Detroit Lions in 1985.

For his career, Montgomery gained 6,789 yards rushing, which ranked 14th in NFL history at the time of his retirement. He also caught 273 passes for 2,502 yards and scored 58 career touchdowns.

Interestingly, Wilbert was one of four brothers to play college or professional football. The most notable of the brothers was Cleo, who played six years in the NFL and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1984.

Since his retirement, Montgomery has developed into a successful NFL assistant coach. He was the running back coach for the St. Louis Rams during their championship run in the late 1990s. He is currently the running back coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

Nipplegate: 7 Years Later, Who Knew?

It's been 7 years now since Justin Timberlake unknowingly (wink, wink) exposed Janet Jacksons left breast during the half time performance of Super Bowl 38. Who knew that one wardrobe malfunction and an exposed mammary gland, would have such an ever lasting effect.

The actual halftime show that year was produced by MTV and intended to help promote MTV's Rock the Vote campaign to encourage younger people to get out and vote. Unfortunately that message was lost in the ensuing controversy, the loose connection between all the acts of the halftime show and the actions that ensued throughout the show.

Besides Jackson's "exposure", the show's other performances included gestures by the rapper Nelly toward his crotch and musician Kid Rock appearing in a poncho made from a slitted American flag, which he later tossed into the crowd. Following the incident, the NFL announced that MTV would never be involved in another halftime show.

Which brings me to the situation at hand. Since Nipplegate, we have been subject to such halftime acts at 67 year old former Beatle, Paul McCartney. 66 year old Mick Jagger and his aging Rolling Stones band mates. Super Bowl 42 offered us 59 year old Tom Petty. 60 year old Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band rocked us in Super Bowl 43 and now comes news that 65 year old Roger Daltry and the Who, will Dazzle us with a little Pin Ball Wizardry this year in Miami.

My Calculator indicates those five acts are a combined 317 years old, Yikes! Don’t get me wrong, I dig a little Dancing in The Dark every now and then and think I’ve even had a 19th Nervous Breakdown once or twice, But come on, can’t we get more current with our choices for halftime entertainment?

Yes, you are right, I did fail to mention that musician Prince shared the halftime time show with the Florida A & M Marching 100 for the Super Bowl 41 half time, but his royal purpleness was on his best behavior that day.

Mr. Daltry, if you are reading this please take no offense, your music has stood the test of time much like the music of most of your British invasion counterparts, but when I told my teenage son that you and your group were performing at this years Super Bowl halftime, his reply was, WHO?