Moss Waives Goodbye to the Vikings

Randy Moss has been waived by the Vikings only four short weeks after the tumultuous trade from the Patriots. Moss was acquired by the Pats during the off-season in 2007. Even then, the acquisition was sketchy. Allegedly, Moss would only accept a pay cut if he went to the Pats. Obviously, that demand was based on the Pats stacking their lineup during the off-season, leaving them poised to win a Superbowl (which they should have won after winning every preceding game).

The bottom line: Randy Moss has always been "trouble." Much like Sebastian Telfair, Moss regularly found himself getting arrested for being a complete moron. It is no secret that Belichick runs a tight ship in Foxboro which may explain why Moss lasted there so long without incident.

However, this past Sunday, Moss repeated criticized his new coach, while praising Belichick. These are also rumor swirling that Moss disliked the Vikings choice of caterers, prompting some nasty commentary last Friday night.

Regardless, Moss is no longer with the Vikings and their ancient QB, Brett Favre. Although I doubt it, there is some talk that Moss may return to the Pats or, in the alternative, may be headed to Chicago.

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Are the dominos starting to fall?

Both on and off the football field, the times are tough for Brett Favre. A day after coming up just short in a loss to his former Packers, his Viking are sitting at 2-4. He's already chucked up more interceptions in six games than he did all of last year, and to make matters even worse, he fractured two ankle bones in last night's game, putting his starting streak of 315 games (including playoffs) in jeapordy. And we haven't even gotten to the little problem of his (failed attempt at a) fling with Jenn Sterger. Yesterday, he admitted that he did leave voicemails for Sterger, but denied sending lewd photos. The NFL is still investigating what is going on with the case, but I actually am starting to feel kind of sorry for the man. He's gotta have close to zero friends right now. Oh wait, maybe that's because he has proven over the past three years that being loyal to your team or your loved one means nothing to him. Never in my life can I remember anyone as beloved as Favre falling from grace so quickly. At least he's got still got the Wrangler commercials, or he really would have nothing going for him.

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The New York Jets: Have been and always will be classy...

I don't know about you guys, but I feel 90% of recent NFL storylines or gossip is produced by the New York Jets. Disregarding the fact that it seems like they play on Sunday or Monday Night Football every single week, there was also the whole Hard Knocks series, Braylon Edwards getting another DUI (it's okay Braylon, we still love you), Antonio Cromartie getting a second chance to show he (and his seven kids) deserves all that child support money, and the controversial confrontation between Jets coaches and players and TV reporter Ines Sainz.

In retrospect, one would have thought that the Jets would have learned their lesson about having an attractive female reporter in close proximity of the team. That's because as the Jets play (yet another) Monday night against the Vikings, Brett Favre, formerly of the Jets and currently with the Vikings, is at the center of another controversy with a young curvacious reporter. On Thursday, Deadspin reported that Favre, while he was on the Jets, sent pictures of his pee pee to Jenn Sterger (yes the former Florida St. and South Florida cowgirl). The NFL has only begun to look into the matter, and nothing is confirmed, but man Brett, if it's you, how desperate can you get?? (Here's the video judge for yourself if it's Favre).

But Brett is not the only one at fault in these female reporter incidents. They should have expected a bunch of 20 to 30 year olds (and 40 year olds too apparently) with raging hormones to at least make a few remarks. And while I understand the positive media benefits of having attractive reporters such as Sterger work for the team, why do they need to be in the locker room!? Everybody and their mom knows that male locker rooms are about the most immature location on Earth, and bringing a smoking hot female into the equation will at best case result in nothing. That much has applied since high school. And it's not like it's just me saying that. A Seton Hall University poll says that even most women believe that female reporters shouldn't be in the NFL locker rooms. It seems to me the remedy to this situation is obvious: Keep the ladies lookin fine, but not during male locker room time.

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Brett Favre Retires?!?! (Part 78)

Wait… why does this title not shock me? Oh, right: maybe because this is the 52nd different occasion I’ve seen it plastered across headline news. Judging by the way everyone and their brother seems to be talking about it, I thought maybe I was the only one who considered this worn-out statement to be such old news its to the point of cliché. But, because I absolutely refuse to believe EVERYONE in this world is stupid enough to believe Favre, the repeat offender, I decided to creep around and see what everyone else actually thought about the news instead of continuing to skip over the headlines.

Leroy Butler, former teammate:
Butler has an interesting view on why Brett Favre was not going to retire when he threw out this: "I've always said, from the day when he cried in front of the media in Wisconsin and retired, the guy is a football player," Butler said. "He's not good at anything else."

Terez Owens, sports writer:
Owens is obviously skeptical with him comment that, “until Brett says it himself..I’ll take all the Brett Retirement talk with a grain of salt..just like I always do..”

Elliot, (our very own) CCUB reporter:
Scroll down and you can see this one for yourselves, but I think his overall feeling on the situation can be summed up with his one word, “Really?”

Serena Williams, tennis player:
Might be the only one in America actually taking Favre seriously. She tweeted, “Am I the only one who’s eyes are watering. #BrettFarve is great!!! Hate to see an era end…”.


Bus Cook, Favre’s agent:
I like to think of it as the icing on the cake that Brett’s own agent said of his “retirement(s)”, "...Goddammit, why does he have to be such a goddamned drama queen? Play, don't play, goddamn, people are getting sick of it. I'm getting sick of it!

Unless you happen to be one of the few surviving Brett Favre believers nationwide, it looks like the general consensus is the same: Brett – you’re full of shit. Give it up already. (And by that I mean the publicity stunt and your spot on the roster.) You were undoubtedly one of the greats of your day, but let’s get serious: that was a decade ago. Shit or get off the pot.

Brett Favre retiring? Once again, I have no f***ing idea.

Yesterday, Brett Favre announced for the third time in his career that he would be retiring from the NFL. Apparently, after he had surgery on his left ankle, the magic wasn't there and he texted teammates to call it quits, saying that "they know what's going on with me". Really? Is that why Ryan Longwell, an NFL vet himself, said that Favre gave no indications that he was planning on retiring? Is that why less than a day later, Brett Favre does the exact same shit that he did the last time he retired and reverses course, saying that he will play if healthy? While I'm glad that most reports confirm that the decision is not based on money, I doubt that Favre's previous 'retirements' were based on the matter: The dude is very rich. What bothers me is that even though he has led the Jets and Vikings to at least relatively successful seasons coming out of 'retirement', Favre manages to single-handedly control the fate of an entire organization. Like the Jets did, the Vikings need Favre now. They don't have another proven QB, and they drafted in this past NFL draft under the assumption Favre would return. Favre was and still is one of my favorite QBs on the field. You can't not admire his risk-taking gun-slinger mentality. But c'mon Brett. Think a little before you send the entire NFL and Viking organizations into a state of panic. Use that calm, relaxed persona you so often are depicted as in those Wrangler commercials to realize that until you are 100% sure about something, keep your mouth shut to the public about it.

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Favre is Done...?

According to Peter King of SI.com, According to Peter King of SI.com, Brett Favre told another player he was done playing football. Personally, I think that information is about as reliable as a game of telephone. Or, if Favre said it to my face, for that matter. Let's face it, he's as decisive about ending his career as Junior Seau.

Peyton Likely to Reclaim Title

Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts wants to extend Peyton Manning's contract to make him the highest paid NFL Quarterback in the league. This doesn't bother me. What does bother me is that currently Eli Manning is the highest paid QB in the league. Really?! Eli!? Honestly, Eli about as good (or bad) as Tony Romo. They look sorta pretty but when it comes down to it, they're not Joe Montana.

So, I believe that Petyon should absolutely reclaim the title of highest paid QB in the league. Additionally, I hope the emotional turmoil of playing the Saints breaks Peyton's will and he flops like Favre did against Eli back in '08.

NFL News: Prince writes a song for the Minnesota Vikings...

The Minnesota Vikings play at the New Orleans Saints this weekend in a matchup of the top two seeded teams in the NFC. It should be a good game, with two high-powered offenses and their Pro Bowl QBs going at it down in the Bayou for a shot at the Super Bowl. While I normally don't have a vested interest in either team, I know that I'll be rooting for Drew Brees and the Saints to pull this one out. While some might be rooting for New Orleans primarily because they don't want to see the 40 year-old dinosaur Brett Favre get another ring, I will be rooting for New Orleans so that I don't have to hear Prince's new Minnesota Vikings song, "Purple and Gold".



Yes. Prince wrote a song for the Minnesota Vikings. And don't get it confused with Purple Rain, because this song is awful. I feel bad for Prince, who was once one of the best performers out there (but, as this song has shown, has clearly experienced some tough times recently). But I feel worse for the Minnesota Vikings, who have to identify with this song, which sounds like a patriotic hymn gone wrong. At least the Vikings also have Brett Favre's signature hit, "Pants On the Ground", to offset this dud.



Now, in regards to actual football, I will give my picks for this weekend.

New Orleans 31 Minnesota 27 (see above)
Indianapolis 24 New York Jets 14 (Mark Sanchez can't keep it going forever, and Peyton Manning has been in this situation before)

Age Before Beauty

The Vikings kicked the crap out of the Cowboys which just reaffirms that Tony Romo is the worst post-season quarterback ever. Minnesota won 34-3. The teams matched up fairly well statistically except for the only stat that actually matters, scoring.

44-0 at the end of the 3rd...

...excuse me.

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we are taking a look at five significant cases. The first was Brett Favre, the second was Wayne Gretzky, the third was Patrick Ewing, and the fourth is Michael Jordan. The fifth, and final, is Junior Seau.

San Diego Chargers: 1990-2002

Miami Dolphins: 2003-2005

New England Patriots: 2006-present

Junior Seau joined the Chargers in 1990 fresh out of USC, and he became an instant fan favorite, earning the nickname “Tasmanian Devil.” Seau played in 12 consecutive Pro Bowls, becoming a star of the franchise. Then Seau requested to be released so that he could sign a deal as a free agent and ultimately increase the size of his paycheck. Seau was traded to the Miami Dolphins for the 2003 season with aspirations of winning a Super Bowl ring. He played well but could not carry the team to a championship. Injuries in 2004 and 2005 caused Seau to end both seasons prematurely. This ultimately resulted in his release from the Dolphins in 2006, after which he retired.

But Seau was not done playing football. Four days after his retirement Seau signed with the New England Patriots, but a broken arm ended his season early. He stayed on for the 2007 season, but retired again at its conclusion. Most thought this was the end of Seau’s spectacular career. Then, during the 2008 season, injuries plagued the Patriots’ linebackers, and coach Bill Belicheck asked Seau to return to the team. He signed on for the last four games of the season, making it clear that he probably would not have done so if he had previously won a Super Bowl, which is the only thing missing from an otherwise impressive career. The undefeated Patriots entered the Super Bowl with over $111 million in free agents, but were unable to beat the New York Giants.

Seau “retired” again after this stint with the Patriots, but then in October he announced that he would be returning to the field for the 2009 season in hope of finally winning a Super Bowl ring. This season, Seau has played in two games (he did not play this Sunday, 11/8), without any particularly memorable occurrences. 2009 marks his 20^th year in the NFL. The Patriots are 6 and 2, and are in first place in the AFC East. It remains to be seen as to whether Seau will finally procure the Super Bowl ring that seems to evade him and that he so desperately desires.

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we are taking a look at five significant cases. The first was Brett Favre, the second was Wayne Gretzky, and the third was Patrick Ewing. The fourth is Michael Jordan.

1984-1993, 1995-1998: Chicago Bulls
2001-2003: Washington Wizards

Michael Jordan was a star from the start, being named to the NBA All-Star Team during his first season and receiving the Rookie of the Year Award as well. Since joining the Chicago Bulls in 1984, “His Airness” has received a plethora of accolades and has achieved a multitude of statistical accomplishments. However, what on the surface appears to be a smooth career was in fact marred by two retirements.

Jordan and the Bulls won their first Championship together in 1991, and went on to win two more in 1992 and 1993, giving the Bulls three consecutive titles. Excitement soon led to despair when Jordan announced his retirement from basketball on October 6, 1993 at age 30. Spurred by his father’s death and claiming a lack of desire, Jordan told the press, “I just feel that I don’t have anything else to prove.”

During his hiatus, Jordan joined the baseball team the Birmingham Barons, which are part of the Chicago White Sox minor league system. Less than successful, on March 18, 1995, Jordan announced that he was returning to the NBA and would rejoin the Chicago Bulls. Although the Bulls made it to the playoffs, Jordan did not win a title upon his return. In better condition for the 1995-1996 season, Jordan, supported by teammates Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, led the Bulls to three more consecutive championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

The three-peat high did not last too long, however, when Jordan announced a second retirement in 1999. Unable to stay away from basketball, in 2000, Jordan took on a professional position as President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards. Watching his team fail and feeling inspired by his friend Mario Lemieux’s NHL comeback, Jordan was anxious to get back on the court. He signed a two-year contract with his new team, the Washington Wizards, and he hired former Bulls’ coach Doug Collins. Unfortunately, Jordan’s return did not revive the Wizards in the way he had hoped—they never made the playoffs. However, he did score 40 points at age 40 during the 2002-2003 season, after which he retired for a third and final time.

Air Jordan is still a household name and will forever remain the childhood hero of millions. He is one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, ranked number one above Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali. His retirements were possibly the least controversial of those discussed in this series. However, they will forever taint an otherwise stunning and incredible tenure of one of the best, if not the best, players in NBA history.

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we are taking a look at five significant cases. The first was Brett Favre and the second was Wayne Gretzky. The third is Patrick Ewing.

New York Knicks: 1985-2000
Seattle Supersonics: 2000-2001
Orlando Magic: 2001-2002

The New York Knickerbockers drafted Patrick Ewing with the first pick of the NBA draft in 1985. Named Rookie of the Year despite injuries, it was the start of what Pat O’Brien coined the “Ewing era.” Though he put up stunning stats and came understatedly close, Ewing was unable to lead the Knicks to an NBA Championship. Still, the success the team saw is nearly unparalleled, especially when compared to the weak performances of more recent years. Whether the Knicks were the division leaders or a Cinderella team, they made the playoffs in 13 out of 15 seasons with Ewing. He made the All-Star team 11 times. He became a hero in New York City, and number 33 jerseys filled Madison Square Garden to see the star center in action.

After 15 seasons as the team leader, Ewing left the Knicks in 2000, traded to the Seattle Supersonics for the final year of his contract. He wanted a high salary, but his age and deteriorating body were failing. Unable to agree on a contract extension, MSG Chairman James Dolan signed off on the deal that Ewing’s agent, David Falk, later described as “a mutual decision, and a mutual mistake.”

Ewing spent one season in Seattle and another with the Orlando Magic, retiring in 2002. He was relatively unsuccessful with both teams. Similarly, the Knicks have endured little success and many losing seasons since his departure. It is hard to tell who is to blame: Knicks management for refusing to spend more, or Ewing for refusing to accept less. Dolan was described as selfish for trying to bring down the team’s salary cap; Ewing was described as immature for believing that he could still perform at the same level that he did when he entered the NBA. Regardless, the truth remains—Patrick Ewing was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and instead of trying to come to an agreement, the Knicks traded him away.

Next Week: Michael Jordan

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we are taking a look at five significant cases. The first was Brett Favre. The second is Wayne Gretzky.

Wayne Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships during his tenure in Canada. He was more than a household name—he was a household legend. This changed when, just five days after his final championship victory with Edmonton, Gretzky found out that owner Peter Pocklington was trying to trade him. Appalled that Pocklington lacked the decency to call Gretzky and tell him that he was considering a trade, Gretzky called the Oilers to officially request a trade, as required by his contract. This cut Pocklington off from any possible attempts to discontinue trying to trade Gretzky. Soon after, Gretzky signed with the Los Angeles Kings in what came to be known as “The Trade.” Canadians were outraged; New Democratic Party House leader went so far as to demand that the government block the trade. He was unsuccessful.

Controversy swirled around the reasons for the trade. Gretzky was called greedy, because he received more money from the Kings. His wife was called selfish, as some claimed that she encouraged the move to further her acting career. Others blamed the Oilers’ ownership, specifically Pocklington, who was rumored to need the money due to struggling business ventures. No matter the true reasons, Gretzky rejuvenated the Kings’ franchise and made hockey popular in Los Angeles.

Gretzky moved from LA to spend part of the 1996 season with the St. Louis Blues, then signed a contract with the New York Rangers, where he completed a stunningly successful career. The face of the Oilers franchise for ten years, Gretzky went on to legitimize the NHL and his popularity greatly contributed to the league’s expansion. The Oilers sacrificed the Great One and, consequently lost their opportunity to remain a dynasty.

Next Week: Patrick Ewing

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we’ll take a look at five significant cases. The first is Brett Favre.

1992-2007: Green Bay Packers

2008: New York Jets

2009-2010: Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre was the starting quarterback and face of the franchise for the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 2007, when he retired from the NFL, crying on national television. Four months later (July), Favre decided to return to the NFL and formally requested a release from the Packers when he found out he would not be a starter. The Packers tried to pay Favre to remain retired, but a month later (August) he was reinstated into the league. However, Favre and the Packers parted ways when general manager Ted Thompson decided that he did not want to take him back. (To their credit, the Packers had taken steps to overcome Favre’s retirement, including finding a new quarterback to replace Favre). Instead, Favre was traded to the Jets and welcomed to New York by Mayor Bloomberg.

After a successful start to the 2008 season, Favre and the Jets won only one game out of their final five. He retired again soon after…claiming that this time, it was for good. That turned out to be false. Favre signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings on August 18, 2009, joining the same conference as his old team, the Packers. Thus far, Favre has led the Vikings to a 5-0 record, including a victory over Green Bay.

So now, the question remains…will Favre return to the Vikings for the second year of his contract, will he request yet another trade, or will he retire for a third time?

Next Week: Wayne Gretzky

The Old Wise Man

Brett Favre played an awesome game last night against his old team, the Green Bay Packers. As quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Favre gave the Green Bay fans and franchise a big F-you for thinking he's past his prime. Favre, who will be 40 on Saturday (and is one of the oldest players ever to play in the NFL) showed that, as in most professions, an experienced, gray-haired old guy trumps a scruffy looking kid from Chico. Brett can now look Rodgers in the face and say, "I'm not only better looking than you, but I'm also better than you in every way." You go, Favre!

Manny Will Always Be My Man

While listening to angry midwestern "Cheese heads" insist they were so over Favre and that they really didn't want him back all week, I thought to myself how nice it was to see Manny go on such amicable terms. It was like a great breakup; everyone is happier afterwards! Manny wants out, Boston wanted out, and everyone went to the Championship Series. It was a trade made in heaven. I even have an excuse to wear that Dodgers hat I stole from a friend cause I just look hot in it. Green Bay on the other hand had a bitter end with Favre, and although they deny it, they're begging for him back. $20 million to be the "ambassador"!? Is that a special teams position?


On the other hand, Ruby's Hipocratus attitude toward this whole thing is fabulously innocent. Let's face it, Manny doesn't want to be the only baby riding around with training wheels on his bike while everyone else is sporting a two-wheeler! Pretending that all professional baseball players aren't doing the same thing (on some level) is like believing in the tooth fairy! And its not just baseball. UConn basketball is in trouble for breaking the rules to get ahead. I could mention the Fab Five but I'll save that commentary for when I do my "Why the NCAA is Ridiculous - I'm Forming My Own Association" article.


Yeah, Manny got caught. They all do eventually. But, much like my theory on the NCAA violations, why don't we all stop lying about it so we can actually solve the "cheating" problem. I mean, if we're all cheating, let's all cheat and stop living by some fictitious rule book. Its like an adult who is afraid to tell their parents they smoke! If you're not playing by the "rules," why don't you just say so and at a minimum we can all stop LYING about it. That goes for everyone. Oh, and Congress, GET A LIFE or at a minimum do something of any value to our struggling nation (says the girl researching an unsolved 1967 murder but learning very quickly the FBI knew exactly who did it). We have bigger fish to fry folks! Like, get me my 401K back and then we can consider talking about the "K" pitchers throw!