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Source: After trade to Raiders, Hall to get seven-year, $70 million deal
2008-03-19 00:28:00
ESPN.com news servicesAtlanta Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall says he will finalize a contract with Oakland by Thursday morning, allowing the trade sending him to the Raiders to be completed.A source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the deal is for seven years and worth $70 million. The amount of guaranteed money and bonuses in the contract have not been finalized.The source also told Mortensen the teams are discussing possibly more compensation than just a second-round pick for the Raiders to acquire Hall, a two-time All-Pro. If the deal goes through as planned, the Falcons will have three second-round draft picks and four of the first 48 selections under first-year general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Hall said he is scheduled to fly to Oakland on Wednesday to meet with Raiders officials, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "There is just some tweaking of the language that needs to be done, some minor details," Hall told the newspaper. "No deal breakers."Hall, a former f...
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NFL Draft Order Round-By-Round - As Of Feb 29
2008-03-18 20:46:00
NFL Draft Order Round -By-Round - As Of Feb 29 This is the NFL Draft selection order, which could change as we get closer to the draft itself and with trades. Tentative 2008 Round-By-Round NFL Draft Order (As of February 29, 2008)03/03/2008ROUND ONE 1- 1- 1 Miami 1- 2- 2 St. Louis 1- 3- 3 Atlanta1- 4- 4 Oakland1- 5- 5 Kansas City1- 6- 6 New York Jets 1- 7- 7 New England from San Francisco1- 8- 8 Baltimore 1- 9- 9 Cincinnati1-10-10 New Orleans1-11-11 Buffalo1-12-12 Denver1-13-13 Carolina1-14-14 Chicago1-15-15 Detroit 1-16-16 Arizona1-17-17 Minnesota1-18-18 Houston1-19-19 Philadelphia 1-20-20 Tampa Bay1-21-21 Washington 1-22-22 Dallas from Cleveland1-23-23 Pittsburgh1-24-24 Tennessee1-25-25 Seattle 1-26-26 Jacksonville1-27-27 San Diego 1-28-28 Dallas1-29-29 San Francisco from Indianapolis1-30-30 Green Bay 1-31- New England Forfeited 1-32-31 New York Giants ROUND TWO 2- 1-32 Miami 2- 2-33 ...

Falcons DeAngelo Hall May Become Oakland Raider
2008-03-17 10:00:00
Personally, I think this move's a sign of the fall of the Atlanta Falcons . DeAngelo Hall may have been hot-headed at points, but his talent was unmistakable. I also think DHall was frustrated with the totally inept way the team was being ran under Bobby Petrino. Now it seems the Falcons are willing to part with a second round pick for Hall. What Atlanta will do without Hall remains to be seen, but I think they may have been swayed by some of Hall's poor performances in 2008. Yes, he's a great cornerback, but it seemed that his head wasn't in the game and he may have been trying to do everything he could to get Petrino out of there without, you know, getting him out of there. Still a bad and organizationally immature move.
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SF 49ers Release Darrell Jackson After Not Employing Him Properly
2008-03-17 09:55:00
The San Francisco 49ers went out and got Darrell Jackson as a free agent from the Seattle Seahawks and with much promise. Jackson is a great possession receiver with great run-after-the-catch speed. He's not going to get past you much but he can do damage and the Seahawks knew this. The 49ers did not. The 49ers tried to send Jackson deep and running deep patterns and fly patterns is not what Jackson does well.Now he's gone.
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New England Patriots Spygate - NFL Near Deal With Matt Walsh - NY TIMES
2008-03-10 13:17:00
Once the evidence he presents hits the media, the image-aware NFL will take swift action, for sure. Let?s Make a Deal , Starring Matt WalshBy ANDREW DAS - NY TIMESIn statements released to the news media Sunday night, the N.F.L. and the lawyer representing the former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh revealed that the sides were nearing a deal that would finally allow Walsh to reveal what he knows about spying in the N.F.L.
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Brett Farve Annouces Retirement Today - NFL.com
2008-03-04 21:38:00
The NFL's Official Website NFL.com has a great tribute to Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Farve, who announced his retirement today. More on this development later, but it opens the door for Cal's Aaron Rodgers to take over the offense. Rodgers was the Packers number one pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
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Calvin Pace and Damien Woody Sign With Gang Green
2008-03-04 01:12:00
General manager Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Eric Mangini remained exceedingly active in the free agent market today, signing Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace and the Lions offensive tackle Damien Woody . Pace, a former first-round pick in 2003, recorded 98 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season after managing a dismal 88 tackles and 7.5 sacks through his first four years in the desert.Woody, a nine-year veteran from Boston College and member of the Detroit Lions for the past four seasons, will play right tackle for the Jets this upcoming season in an attempt to solidify New York's already formidable line.
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Four-Time Pro Bowl TE Alge Crumpler To Tennessee
2008-03-04 00:21:00
After being released last month by the Atlanta Falcons, tight end Alge Crumpler agreed to a two-year contract with the upstart Titans.Transferring from one anemic offense to another, Crumpler will have a significant uphill battle with an embattled offense that struggled profusely last season to find the endzone. During his first three seasons in Atlanta, the former second round pick out of the University of North Carolina was hampered by low reception and yardage total, but witnessed his productivity accelerate from 2004-2006. Crumpler compiled at least 48 receptions, 774 yards and five touchdowns en route to consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Within that same span, Titans starting tight ends managed a woeful 29 receptions, 370yards and two scores at the very least. Quarterback Vince Young will receiver a much needed boost in the addition of Crumpler and a security blanket that he has not been privy to during his two seasons in Tennessee .
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Alan Faneca To The New York Jets
2008-03-04 00:05:00
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Alan Faneca has agreed to a five year,$40 million deal that includes $21 million in guaranteed money. A distinguished member of the Steelers All-Time team, Faneca played an instrumental part in the teams overarching success over the past ten years and their 2005 Super Bowl victory.Faneca will now join 24-year old tackles D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold to establish one of the premier offensive lines in the NFL.
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Bill Parcells Building Dolphins for 4-3 Not 3-4 - RealFootball.com
2008-03-03 23:47:00
Personally, I prefer a hybrib combination defense, but regardless, Dolphins Guru of Rebuilding Bill Parcells is gathering talent suitable for a 4-3 defense and not a 3-4. Let's see if it's enough to help their leaky run defense of last year.
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Randy Moss Back With Patriots For 3 years, $27 Million, with $12 Million Si
2008-03-03 23:43:00
From "Sox And Dawgs" - New England Patriots free agent wide receiver Randy Moss has agreed to terms to return to the Patriots. The contract is 3 years for $27 million, with a $12 million signing bonus. It is not known at this time how much guaranteed money was added in the value of the contract.Moss came to New England in 2007 on a draft day trade with Oakland for a fourth round draft pick. He played for $3 million plus incentives under a restructured contract in which saw him catch almost 100 balls and set a NFL record with 23 TD catches.In addition to two seasons in Oakland the five-time Pro-Bowler was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Marshall University in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
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DE Justin Smith Signs With 49ers
2008-03-01 19:25:00
Justin Smith has decided to travel west to San Francisco for the opportunity of greener pastures and a completely fresh start with a rising organization.The green will be overflowing in abundance for the fourth-pick in the 2001 draft after he agreed to a six-year, $45 million plus contract during the second day of free agency. Smith has been assured $20 million in guaranteed money. At 6-4 and 275 pounds, Smith will be a valuable addition to a defense that ranked 25th last season en route to a 5-11 record.
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Fresh Free Agent Signings Around The League
2008-03-01 14:54:00
A plethora of impactful players switched zip codes Friday after agreeing to terms with their new teams.Safety Gibril Wilson, who was instrumental in the Giants first Super Bowl Victory since 1990, signed a six-year, $39 million deal.Veteran Issac Bruce, who amassed 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns in his 14 prolific seasons in the gateway city, secured a two-year, $6 million contract with rival San Francisco. Kick return specialist Allen Rossum signed with the 49ers as well.Todd Collins, who guided the Redskins to an improbable playoff run last season, re-signed with Washington, agreeing to a three-year, $9 million deal.Bill Parcells remained highly active in free agency,signing wide receiver Ernest Wilford, trading for the Cowboys nose tackle Jason Ferguson and adding former Raiders quarterback Josh McCown. Due to the departure of Quinn Gray, the Jaguars signed Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon to be their backup. Lemon led Miami to their lone victory last season.Tampa Bay signed cente...
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Rams Jeff Wilkins Retires, Kicker Josh Brown Signs
2008-03-01 14:19:00
The same day after 14-year veteran and all-time leading scorer Jeff Wilkins announced his retirement, Josh Brown bolted from the division rival Seahawks to sign with the St.Louis Rams. Brown agreed to a five-year, $14.2 million contract that includes a $4 signing bonus. Brown's new contract will propel him to the status of highest paid kicker in the league. During his five seasons in the Northwest, Brown connected on 80% of field goals and 99.6% of extra points. The former Cornhusker has a knack for timely kicks, accumulating four game -winning field goals in 2006, two of which were against his new team. Undrafted out of Youngstown State in 1994, Wilkins firmly established a name for himself as one of the premier place kickers in NFL history. Since joining the Rams in 1997, Wilkins played in very game except for five in the year 2000. Consistency evolved as the benchmark of Wilkins's career,as he connected on 307 of 375 field goals and 26 that were from 50 yards or greater. ?Throu...
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Derek Anderson Remains With Cleveland Browns
2008-03-01 04:51:00
The clock struck 12:01 A.M. Friday morning and Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson was officially a restricted free agent. After weeks of tireless work by Browns executives to keep their primary signal caller, a deal was unable to be accomplished.Five hours later representatives for Anderson and general manager Phil Savage agreed to a three-year, $24 million contact with $13 million in guaranteed money. After throwing for a career high 29 touchdowns and 3,787 yards in 16 games for the 10-6 Browns, it was necessary that a deal was consummated as quickly as possible. If Anderson bolted for another team, Cleveland would have received a first and third-round draft pick.
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Porter, Williamson Headed To Jacksonville
2008-03-01 04:28:00
In order to provide speed,agility and security for rising quarterback David Garrard, the Jaguars delved into the free agency market by signing Oakland Raiders disgruntled wideout Jerry Porter and acquiring despondent wide receiver Troy Williamson from the Minnesota Vikings.After spending the first seven years of his career in the Bay Area, Porter was eager for a fresh new start with an established club. In signing a six-year,$30 million contract, Porter is expected to emerge as the Jaguars number one option at wide receiver. Playing in 16 games last season with an anemic offense, Porter managed to reel in 76 receptions for 942 yards and five touchdowns. Drafted seventh overall in 2005, Troy Williamson has been a significant disappoint for the Vikings, finding the endzone three times in three seasons.?We?re giving Troy a chance, an opportunity for him to come down here and rejuvenate himself, have fun, don?t worry about the high expectations that were associated with his selection an...
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Free Agent Frenzy Around The NFL
2008-02-29 23:01:00
Kris Jenkins, Jonathan Vilma, Shaun Rodgers, Kawika Mitchell, Asante Samuel. These five defensive stalwarts highlight the list of players who took full advantage of the beginning of free agency this morning and will be dawning new uniforms next season.Jenkins, a three time All-Pro and seven-year veteran, was dealt by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks. He promptly signed a new five-year, $35 million contract that is worth $20 million in guaranteed money. While heralded as the foundation of the Jets 3-4 defense, Jonathan Vilma was unable to acclimate to coach Eric Mangini's system. The totality of the situation was too much for the Jets rising star to adjust to and a shift to the crescent city will do the two-time defensive captain very well. In return for Vilma, New Orleans sends a fourth-round draft pick to New York. At 340 pounds, overbearing defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers is a force to be reckon with when not inspired. To imagine the impact Ro...
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Steelers? former radio announcer Myron Cope dies at 79
2008-02-27 23:41:00
A true pioneer of the sports broadcasting industry and inventor of the famous Terrible Towel, Cope leaves a tremendous legacy and foundation throughout Pittsburgh and the United States.By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer PITTSBURGH (AP)?Myron Cope spoke in a language and with a voice never before heard in a broadcast booth, yet a loving Pittsburgh understood him perfectly during an unprecedented 35 years as a Steelers announcer.The screechy-voiced Cope, a writer by trade and an announcer by accident whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became nationally known symbols of the Steelers, died Wednesday at age 79.Cope died at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope?s, said. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.Cope?s tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers? radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with ...
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The New England Patriots Spygate Problem Gets Worse - ESPN
2008-02-23 11:18:00
Arlen Spectre's all over this NFL problem and if Commissioner Goodell does not handle it properly it could blow up in the collective face of the league. There are some serious problems with how the Pats conducted their activities under Head Coach Bill Belichek, and it seems that there's more to this than meets the eye and it unfolds more each day. Specter irked by uncooperative Pats, league in Spygate probeBy Mike FishESPN.com Frustrated at the obstacles confronting his investigation of "Spygate," Sen. Arlen Specter accused the New England Patriots of "stonewalling" on Friday and suggested the NFL might never get around to questioning key witness Matt Walsh, a former Patriots video assistant.Specter's comments are in stark contrast to remarks on Wednesday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who told reporters that the NFL was moving toward an agreement that would allow Walsh to tell what he knows about the Patriots' spying practices without fear of being sued.Sen. Arlen Spe...
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Chad Johnson to Remain A Cincinnati Bengals Receiver - ESPN
2008-02-14 19:57:00
Assuring that Chad Johnson will line up and roam free to catch passes at the enemy Cleveland Browns stadium built by Kofi Bonner , Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has said that he has a great relationship with Johnson and he will stay in Cincinnati. Here's the rest from ESPN.. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is standing firm: Chad Johnson is staying in Cincinnati.Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade the disgruntled wide receiver and has never discussed it, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer and the team's Web site."They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things," Lewis said, defending Johnson despite the wide receiver's critical comments about the team. "There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson. Nor will he be traded."On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that acquiring Johnson is the Washington Redskins' top offseason priority, as team owner Daniel Sny...
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Randy Moss in College; 90-Yard Screen Pass To TD Video
2008-02-11 07:12:00
For those who wondered what talent Randy Moss showed at Marshall that caused him to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, here's a good look. This video should be the measure of all wide receivers coming out of college to the NFL. If you can find a senior receiver who made a play like this, put him or her on your list. Check this out!
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Super Bowl XLII, New England Patriots Final Drive, Tom Brady
2008-02-09 00:34:00
This is the companion video to the first one showing the NY Giants touchdown drive and the David Tyree catch. Here, we see what happened to the New England Patriots as they had a chance to either kick a field goal to tie the game, or score an even more dramatic touchdown.
More About: Tom Brady , New England Patriots , Super Bowl , Drive

Giants' staggering win over Patriots watched by record 97.5 million
2008-02-05 02:49:00
Associated PressNEW YORK -- The 97.5 million viewers who saw the New York Giants ' last-minute win over the New England Patriots made it the most-watched Super Bowl ever and second biggest event in American television history. Only the "MASH" series finale in 1983, with 106 million viewers, was seen by more people, Nielsen Media Research said Monday. Sunday's game eclipsed the previous Super Bowl record of 94.08 million, set when Dallas defeated Pittsburgh in 1996.This year's game had almost all the ingredients Fox could have hoped for: a tight contest with a thrilling finish involving a team that was attempting to make history as the NFL's first unbeaten team since 1972.But the Giants ended New England's bid for perfection, 17-14. Throughout the game, the teams were never separated by more than a touchdown."You might like your equation going in, but you still need some breaks going your way," said Ed Goren, Fox sports president. The closeness of the game probably added a couple...
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Mike Vick | Vick Keeps Signing Bonus; Judge David Doty Decision - Profootba
2008-02-04 20:43:00
This is a huge development as the Falcons believed the $20 million should have been returned, but there were many who disagreed and I personally thought the organization's move was vindictive. VICK CAN KEEP HIS BONUSJudge David Doty, who presided over the landmark litigation that resulted in free agency and still retains jurisdiction over certain aspects of the administration of the 15-year-old system, has ruled that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick may keep more than $20 million in bonuses paid to him as part of his December 2004 contract extension.The decision reverses the ruling of Special Master Stephen Burbank, whose decision to allow the Falcons to pursue the money was regarded as a surprise in the wake of a prior decision from Burbank regarding former Broncos receiver Ashley Lelie.The ruling arises from a conclusion that roster bonuses are money earned in the year in which they are paid. In contrast, a signing bonus is earned over the period of years in which the money is a...
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Super Bowl XLII, NY Giants, Eli Manning Pass To Burress
2008-02-04 19:28:00
This video is of the NY Giants final drive and Giants QB Eli Manning 's TD pass to Plaxico Burress. You can hear Patriots fans taunting Manning yelling "Eli!". The drive led to the Giants win, 17 to 14 and ended the New England Patriots dream of a perfect season. It's live from my trip to Super Bowl XLII (my sixth Super Bowl game) in Phoenix, AZ, Feb 3, 2008.
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Eli Manning Super Bowl 42 MVP
2008-02-04 05:27:00
No longer will Eli Manning be referred to as Peyton's little brother. The sterotype of a soft,feeble, passive and inconsistent signal caller has been completely eradicated. Now his name has been entered into the ranks of the best players to every dawn an NFL uniform.Last year, Peyton hoisted the MVP trophy in South Florida and furthered his legacy in the game of football. Plastered behind the shadows of his older brother and father, Eli never seemed willing or able to elevate from a grounded level of rapid disappoint to a level of excellence and accuracy. Plagued by a propensity of throwing interceptions, 20 to be exact during the regular season, Manning restricted his number of errors in the playoffs to one. Smart, conscice, efficient and scrupulous, Manning played overwhelmingly reminiscent to his brother on many fronts. Manning went 9-14 for 152 yards and one touchdown in the fourth quarter, a clear indication that he has gravitated to the level of supremacy that Hall of Fame qu...
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A Giant Upset: NY Prevails In SB 42, 17-14
2008-02-04 04:35:00
Perfect no more. The dreams of a 19-0 season by the New England Patriots were fizzled tonight by one of the most unlikliest of teams in NFL history. From Tampa Bay to Dallas, Green Bay to Arizona, the improbable story of the New York Giant s persisted tonight in Super Bowl 42. Provided with a bleak opportunity to emerge victorious, the Giants demonstrated that no team is unbeatable, even the vaunted New England Patriots. Equipped with the premier offense, fourth ranked defense, undefeated record and a margin of victory of twenty points, it was blatantly obvious to pundits, analysts, reporters and the majority of fans across the nation that the Patriots would cement their stamp in the record books and hoist their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in the last seven years. Someone forgot to send the memo to the Giants players and coaches. Throughout the week the teams demeanor was positive and optimistic, never doubting their ability to dethron the unstoppable Pats. Fortunately, their confid...
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Patriots Lead Giants 7-3 At Halftime
2008-02-04 02:24:00
Through the first half of Super Bowl 42, the Patriots have gained a slim lead over the NFC Champions. Laurence Maroney's one-yard touchdown gave the undefeated patriots a four-point advantage at thr 14:57 mark of the second quarter after a Lawrence Tyne's 32-yard field goal propeled them to an early lead. The Giants relentless pressure on Tom Brady enabled them to contain the NFL MVP to under 100 yards pasing and one completion to wide receiver Randy Moss. In addition, Brady was sacked three times, including twice on one series. The Patriots inability to find consistency and rhythm on both sides of the football have been the two central factors that have challenged them all game long. Although Eli Manning turned the ball over for the first time this postseason (four games), he has performed exceedingly well through the first thirty minutes of this epic contest. The younger Manning directed the Giants on a 16 play, 9:59 drive that spanned 63 yards to start the game- most play attem...
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Jason Taylor Named Walter Payton Man Of The Year
2008-02-04 02:13:00
Moments before the kickoff of Super Bowl 42 between the Giants and Patriots, Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor was presented with the Walton Payton Man of the Year award for his substantial contribution in the community and off the field.Taylor, the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, becomes the third Dolphin to be honored with the Walton Payton award. Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson (1985) and quarterback Dan Marino (1998)were the first two fins to receive the recognition for their hard work when away from the field.
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7 Crazy Superbowl Predictions that could happen
2008-02-03 15:15:00
7 Crazy Super bowl Predictions that could happen By Dr. Bill Chachkes-NFL Draft Bible.com7- Patriots WR Randy Moss will be assaulted by a group from the women's anti-defamation league as he leaves a party Saturday Night. He will need a restraining order and a police escort in order to play the game Sunday.6- Coach Bill Belichick will have his entire coaching wardrobe of 27 Hoodies and two pullover hats stolen by a group of 12 year olds from the Ravenswood Housing Projects In Astoria NY called the "little Giants Mafia".5- Dallas owner Jerry Jones, still distraught over the Cowboys early exit from the Playoffs, will try to get a new playoff system passed that eliminates the wild card round of the playoffs. He will then take a 4 day skiing trip to Utah with Jeff Lurie, and Dan Snyder. He will break his hand on a fall on the slopes, and Snyder will have him airlifted out by a Fedex copter. Lurie will then try to Rush release a movie epic based on the trip ahead of Steve Tisch's r...
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