The ultimate underdogs, they aint. Not anymore. The Saints are Super Bowl champions now.

Who Dat? Try Drew Brees, Sean Payton and a team that has reversed its embarrassing past, carrying an entire city to the top with it.

Put away those paper bags forever.

Brees and the Saints rallied to upset Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 Sunday night in one of pro footballs most thrilling title games.

“We just believed in ourselves and we knew that we had an entire city and maybe an entire country behind us, said Brees, the games MVP. “What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time, and its better than expected.

But not something many expected from these descendants of the hapless Aints, who were 5-point underdogs.

“Four years ago who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was under water from (Hurricane) Katrina, Brees said. “Most people not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back or if the organization and the team would come back. … This is the culmination of that belief and that faith.

Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions, the last a 2-yard slant to Jeremy Shockey for the winning points with 5:42 remaining. He was 32 for 39 for 288 yards.

A surprise onside kick sparked the Saints second-half comeback. Their 25th-ranked defense made several key stops, and Tracy Porters 74-yard interception return on a pass from Manning clinched it.

Manning tried to give chase, but was blocked by a New Orleans defender and fell awkwardly as the cornerback raced by. The four-time NFL MVP forlornly walked to the sideline as the Big Easy celebrations began.

“Its time for the Saints to celebrate, he said. “Its their field and its their championship.

An NFL also-ran for much of their 43 years, the Saints football renaissance, led by Brees and Payton, climaxed with Shockeys touchdown and Lance Moores 2-point conversion catch, originally ruled incomplete but overturned on Paytons challenge.

Porters pick, just as dramatic as his interception of Brett Favres pass to force overtime in the NFC title game, was the games only turnover. Its one Manning will forever regret.

The Saints (16-3) won three postseason games this winter after winning only two in the previous 42 years. They beat Arizona, Minnesota and Indianapolis (16-3) - all division winners - for their first title, scoring 107 points and allowing only 59.

“We werent the Aints, Porter said. “We were a team of destiny, a team that can make big plays.

The championship came 4 1/2 years after Katrina ravaged New Orleans, making the Saints nomads for the 2005 season. There even was some doubt they would return, but the NFL refused to abandon the city. The Superdome was repaired and the Saints won the NFC South in 06, their first season with Brees and Payton.

That was the season Manning won his only Super Bowl. He got the Colts off a quick start and had them in front for much of this one, but New Orleans league-leading offense, which scored 510 points this season, outscored Indy 31-7 after falling behind 10-0. That matched the biggest comeback in a Super Bowl.

Payton held the Vince Lombardi Trophy high over his head and ran into the end zone toward several hundred fans chanting the Saints rally cry: “Who dat, who dat, who dat say gonna beat dem Saints?

Nobody can say it now.

“Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy, he said.

“I think I could kiss him, owner Tom Benson said.

Before many of the 74,059 fans got settled following the Whos halftime show, the Saints worked a little football voodoo. Thomas Morsteads onside kick was touched by the Colts Hank Baskett, then recovered by Chris Reis at the New Orleans 42.

“I just told our guys youve got to make me look good on this, Payton said. “That really becomes like a turnover.

Looking like the NFLs most potent offense, the Saints seized the opportunity to take their first lead. It came on Pierre Thomas brilliant 16-yard run with a screen pass, capped by a dive into the end zone.

Manning simply shrugged, found Dallas Clark for 45 yards on a 76-yard drive, and Joseph Addai used a spin move a figure skater would envy to score from the 4.

But that was it for Indy.

“I certainly know how it was three years ago when we won, Manning said. “I know the people of New Orleans and the Saints have that same feeling right now.

Hartley, the hero of the NFC title game with his 40-yard field goal in OT, made a 47-yarder later in the third period. After Matt Stover was wide left on a 51-yarder early in the final quarter, Brees led the biggest drive in Saints history.

“We really felt as underdogs we had the better team, Payton said. “To be in that position where maybe a lot of people were picking against us, we liked the spot we were in.

Manning looked sharp on the Colts first two series, taking them 53 yards to a 38-yard field goal by Stover, at 42 the oldest player in Super Bowl history.

Then Manning led a 96-yard, 11-play drive that appeared almost routine, even though it tied the longest march in a Super Bowl. Addai rushed for 53 yards on the series, and Manning found Pierre Garcon behind backup cornerback Osama Young for the 19-yard score on third down.

New Orleans couldnt match that, but did get a 46-yard field goal by Hartley to make it 10-3. Brees was sacked on third down by All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney, who sure looked frisky despite ligament damage in his right ankle that made his availability uncertain for two weeks.

Then Indys defense, ranked 18th during the season but staunch in the playoffs, really showed some power. After the Saints marched 71 yards, including 40 yards on two receptions by Marques Colston, New Orleans had third-and-goal at the 1. Mike Bell slipped trying to run right behind All-Pro guard Jahri Evans, and Thomas was stacked up at the line by Gary Brackett and Clint Sessions on fourth down.

But the Colts went against type and ran three times, leaving 35 seconds for the leagues most prolific offense to get in position for Hartleys 44-yard field goal and a more manageable 10-6 halftime deficit.

Shootout? More like a slowdown. Indy had two three-and-outs and New Orleans had one.

But the points came quickly after halftime - mostly for the Saints.

“Look around the stadium, linebacker Scott Fujita said. “It was like 6- or 7-to-1 (Saints fans). The black and gold just poured into Miami.

“The whole world was behind us. This was bigger than just a game for the Saints. We are the worlds team.

Posted on February 8th, 2010 by admin
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Former football star Warren Sapp was arrested Saturday following an alleged domestic violence incident at a Miami Beach hotel, police said.

Sapp was charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic battery and is expected to appear before a Miami-Dade County judge Sunday, Miami Beach police spokesman Juan Sanchez said.

Shortly after officials confirmed the charge, the NFL Network, for which Sapp is an analyst, spokesman Dennis Johnson said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that Sapp wouldnt be part of Super Bowl coverage this weekend.

“We have been made aware of the arrest of Warren Sapp by the Miami Beach Police Department, a network statement said. “In light of these circumstances, Warren Sapp will not appear on NFL Network while we review the matter.

The domestic violence allegation was reported around noon Saturday and detectives interviewed Sapp later that day, Sanchez said. The incident occurred early Saturday morning at the Shore Club hotel, according to a police news release.

A telephone message left for Sapps attorney was not immediately returned, nor was an e-mail.

Sanchez said Sapp was expected to be transferred to Miami-Dade County jail Saturday.

Sapp, a former defensive tackle, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders during his NFL career. He was also once a contestant on ABCs “Dancing with the Stars.

Sapp was in South Florida as part of the NFL Networks coverage of Sundays Super Bowl between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.

Posted on February 7th, 2010 by admin
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Unable to find outside help, the Chicago Bears have promoted Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator while rounding out their coaching staff.

Coach Lovie Smith announced the move Friday and called Marinelli among the best defensive coaches in the NFL.

From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator, he said. I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team.

Marinelli and Smith are friends who worked on Tony Dungys staff in Tampa Bay and even roomed together for part of that time. So it was no surprise that he wound up in Chicago despite a 10-38 run with the Lions that ended with a winless season.

Im very excited, Marinelli told chicagobears.com. The defensive staff has all worked together, so its just a chance to keep going and build on the subtleties of our system. Weve all been in it together and I think the familiarity will help.

Marinelli, who retains his assistant head coach title, worked with the Bears defensive line this season after spending three years as the Detroit Lions head coach. He will essentially replace Smith, who called defensive plays last season even though linebackers coach Bob Babich still held the defensive coordinator title.

Marinelli will continue to work with the defensive line, but the coordinator role is new for him. Hes never been one in the NFL, but the Bears turned to him, ending a search that had taken a back seat as they focused on the offensive side following a 7-9 season.

They hired Mike Martz to replace the fired Ron Turner as offensive coordinator this week, creating an interesting scenario. He was fired as the Lions offensive coordinator when Marinelli was the head coach.

Now, theyre united again and Martz insisted during a conference call he had no ill will.

Smith initially said he would look outside for a defensive coordinator and that Marinelli wasnt in the running, but the only candidate known to interview was former assistant Perry Fewell, who ended last season as Buffalos interim coach. He wound up becoming the New York Giants defensive coordinator.

As I mentioned at the end of the season, I think we have an excellent defensive staff, Smith said. Our position coaches bring a valuable expertise to their respective areas and our defense evolves every year based on the input they bring to our planning meetings. We are excited to get to work and we expect to play the type of disruptive defense we have been known for.

The Bears also promoted Eric Washington from assistant defensive line coach to defensive line coach and hired Shane Day as quarterbacks coach on Friday. Washington was Chicagos assistant defensive line coach for two seasons, while Day spent three years as the San Francisco 49ers quality control coach.

This year, Chicagos line produced 24 sacks — tied for ninth most in the NFL among defensive fronts.

Andrew Hayes-Stoker (offense) and Mikal Smith (defense) were added as assistants. Besides adding Martz, the Bears also brought in Mike DeBord as tight ends coach this week after hiring offensive line coach Mike Tice last month.

Posted on February 6th, 2010 by admin
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Sean Payton can look downright possessed during games, shooting fiery glares at players, assistant coaches and officials.

His eyes seem to be saying: “Dont you dare disappointment me.

“Weve all seen that look, New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Joe Vitt said. “That look has served him very, very well.

“You can definitely get a picture of him on game day, the look in his eyes, the way he purses his lips, the way he sets his jaw, Vitt said.

For Payton, the next game day happens to be this Sunday in Miami. Its a Super Bowl matchup with an even more famous Peyton - quarterback Peyton Manning - and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Saints are hoping the games result produces a little more positive publicity for the other Payton - their Payton - a coach they see as an offensive innovator and master motivator.

“I marvel at the way he is able to say the perfect thing at the perfect moment, whatever it might be, whether its a motivational word or an inspirational story, Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “He is able to always have his finger on the pulse of the team and know this is the time to press forward and work or this is the time to back off and have a little fun. He has a knack and ability to use humor or a joke to challenge you or motivate you.

Examples of when Payton poked fun at a player and saw results are sprinkled throughout his four seasons as a head coach, all in New Orleans.

One came during practice between the first and second games of this season. Veteran safety Darren Sharper had intercepted Detroit rookie Matt Stafford twice in Week 1, but was unable to take either back the other way for a score.

Payton lightheartedly reminded the entire defense that Sharper, in his 13th season, was nearly over the hill, and that everyone would have to make a block if he was to return an interception for score. Payton even told Sharper hed buy him dinner if he managed to do it.

During the next game at Philadelphia, Sharper intercepted Kevin Kolb at the New Orleans 3 and ran it back 97 yards for a score.

Sometimes Paytons approach is more solemn. Players find inspirational messages or poems in their lockers. Other times, he uses props. Hes been known to strategically place rat traps around the clubs training headquarters before the Saints play teams they are expected to handle easily - warnings of a trap game.

During this postseason, hes given players wooden baseball bats as a way to inspire his team to “bring the wood to its opponents.

Then there are the motivational speakers. Payton brought in former San Francisco safety Ronnie Lott to address the team during preseason, then brought him back the night before the Saints NFC title win over Minnesota. Other speakers have included NBA coach Avery Johnson, NBA general manager Joe Dumars, former college head coach Bill Mallory, former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden.

Motivation is only part of the “formula for winning, as Payton likes to say. The coach puts a lot of stock in players personalities, hoping to fill his roster with men who can demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team.

Then theres his reputation as one of the most aggressive and creative offensive play-callers in the game.

“He has an incredible knack for finding weaknesses and setting plays up and then taking advantage of opportunities that the defense presents. Hes a very aggressive play caller, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said. “What I mean by aggressive is hes just not one of those guys that is just going to settle for 5- and 6-yard passes. Hes going to throw that thing deep on you often and early, so you have to be ready.

Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. said Payton designs unique formations and builds pre-snap shifts into plays, all in an effort to both disguise what the Saints are doing while luring defenses to tip their hands.

Paytons strength as an offensive coach stemmed from his playing days as a quarterback in high school in Naperville, Ill., and later in college at Eastern Illinois. His brief pro playing career included stints in arena football, with the CFL and with the Chicago Bears as a replacement player during the 1987 strike. Then there was a final stop in England with the Leicester Panthers, an experience resembling that of the protagonist in John Grishams “Playing for Pizza. The book is about a quarterback who struggles to make it in the NFL before signing a contract with an American football team in Italy.

“It was clear that I was going to have to get into this profession in a different area, Payton said, reflecting on his decision to give up playing for coaching.

Despite his experiences as a player, Payton does not consider himself a “players coach, a term he said makes him cringe.

“Its important youre demanding, Payton said. “Its important youre fair. I think you dont want to settle for anything less than exactly what youre looking for and its not our job to be the players friend. Its our job to teach and motivate, give them a plan to be successful and make tough decisions.

In any event, his players speak highly of him. They admire what hes accomplished in New Orleans and the path he took to get there, starting as a graduate assistant at San Diego State in 1988. His other stops as a college assistant included Indiana State, Miami (Ohio) and Illinois before he got his first NFL job as an assistant in Philadelphia in 1997. Later, there were stints with the New York Giants and finally the Dallas Cowboys under Bill Parcells.

“I wouldnt want to play for anyone else, Brees said. “I get a proud feeling when I think of him and the road he has traveled to get to where hes at right now and all he has invested and how hard he has worked.

Posted on February 5th, 2010 by admin
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Dwight Freeney headed for the elevator in the team hotel, trailed by a few intrepid members of the media.

One focused a camera on his ailing right ankle. Another snapped pictures. Yet another jotted down notes.

No sign of anyone in a trench coat, but that wouldnt have been too far-fetched.

NFL teams are downright cloak-and-dagger when it comes to injuries, giving medical reports a significance roughly akin to state secrets. Everyone else tries to figure out whats really going on inside the human body, looking for the slightest hints.

The biggest question of Super Bowl week: Will Freeney, the Colts star defensive end, be on the field Sunday night when Indianapolis takes on the New Orleans Saints?

This is about all youll get out of Freeney: “Im feeling better.

Late in the AFC championship game, he landed awkwardly on his right ankle and tore a ligament. Now here he is, less than two weeks later, desperately hoping that hell be recovered enough to play in an even bigger game.

Freeney hasnt practiced since his injury. So hes not playing, right?

The Colts werent saying. They dont have to. NFL rules merely require that teams disclose Wednesday and Thursday which of three categories their players fall into: didnt practice, had limited participation or went through the entire workout.

Come Friday, the report gets a little more detailed, with coaches required to assess whether a player is doubtful (25 percent chance of playing), questionable (50 percent) or likely (75 percent). About the only way an opponent - and all the rest of us - really know for sure is if a team lists a player as out.

While commissioner Roger Goodell has tried to crack down on teams that abuse the injury report, theres little incentive for a team to be totally forthcoming. Just say doubtful and youre largely covered if the star player doesnt dress out. Hey, a team can say, we only gave him a 25 percent chance of playing.

In early December, Saints coach Sean Payton said cornerback Jabari Greer was getting better after being hobbled by a hernia injury.

What the coach failed to mention was Greer had surgery one day earlier. Then again, he probably was doing better the next day, so maybe Payton gets by on a technicality.

Freeney acknowledged that theres plenty of subterfuge and deception going on when a teams talks about injuries, especially to key players. Knowing that someone is out can make it easier for an opponent to work on its game plan. Plus, a banged-up player has reason to worry about providing too much information to those guys on the other side on the line. A player with a sore right ankle, lets say, might be vulnerable to re-injuring himself on certain plays. There could even be an opponent with more sinister motives, looking to deliver a little extra blow to the ailing part of the body.

So, Mr. Freeney, even if you knew for sure whether or not youre playing Sunday, would you tell us?

“Probably not, he said with a sly grin.

As Freeney headed to the elevator, he hobbled along with a noticeable limp.

Then again, maybe it was all a ruse, designed to make everyone believe hes not playing.

The Saints arent taking any chances.

“Obviously, we would love for him not to play in the game, New Orleans running back Reggie Bush said. “But we have to prepare like hes playing in the game. Were going to continue to chip block. Were going to continue to do whatever we can to keep the pressure off (quarterback Drew Brees). Thats not a secret.

Freeney plans to test out his ankle during Fridays practice, then see how it feels the following day.

Giving a glimpse into the seriousness of his injury, he conceded that his ankle looked downright nasty the day after he was hurt.

“I didnt even recognize my ankle, he said. “It was huge. It was like a softball.

Freeney provided another possible clue when asked to assess his chances of playing.

“Im not going to say its set in stone, he said. “Miracles do happen.

Hmmm, did he say it would take a miracle to play? That doesnt sound too promising. And when he said the Colts would be able to manage without him, that set off another red flag.

“Were kind of built for the next man up, Freeney said. “Well be fine if Im not out there.

Thats a pretty strong clue.

Or was it?

“My ankle is getting better, he insisted. “As long as its moving in the right direction, thats all I can ask for.

Posted on February 5th, 2010 by admin
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As Deuce McAllister sauntered into a lounge inside the stadium that will host Sundays Super Bowl, Saints running back Pierre Thomas caught sight of him and shouted “Doooooose!

“Hes done so much for New Orleans. Hes done so much for this team, in the community, for the fans, Thomas said. “The coaches, they did a good job of bringing him back because he deserves it.

McAllister wont be getting any carries against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but he might get a ball.

“I really want to go out there and play for him, said Thomas, the Saints leading rusher this season. “My first touchdown, my first (game) ball is going to Deuce.

McAllister, who has not played since last season, officially retired only days after being re-signed for a purely ceremonial role in the Saints divisional-round playoff victory over Arizona.

He ended his playing days as the Saints all-time leading rusher with 6,096 career yards. His 55 total touchdowns and 49 rushing TDs also are club records.

At 31, McAllister wasnt really ready to retire, but operations on each knee had slowed him. After it became apparent that no team was going to give him a chance to play again, he got a call from the Saints. Head coach Sean Payton said he wanted to find a way to make McAllister a part of what seemed destined to be a special season.

With McAllister at practice and on the sideline during games, the Saints made their first Super Bowl run in franchise history.

“Its better than nothing and this is the closest that Im getting as far as to be a player, be a part of it, McAllister said. “Youve always seen this on TV and just to be this close to it, to be a part of it makes it special.

A Saints first-round draft pick out of Mississippi in 2001, McAllister has been wildly popular among fans along the Gulf Coast for the past decade. Teammates loved him and opponents respected him.

“Deuce is a great guy, and although (the Saints) didnt need his services as a running back, his leadership skills are tremendous, said former St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, a New Orleans native and unabashed Saints fan. “I hear about Deuce. Ive listened to the Willie Roafs, Ive listened to the Joe Horns talk about how much of a leader Deuce McAllister was in the locker room and I think that coach Payton understands that having him around is advantageous to the program.

Although McAllister didnt have breakaway speed, he was renowned for his vision and ability to set up blocks, as well as his toughness, balance and nimble footwork, which made him tough to tackle. He could move piles and reliably succeed in short yardage situations. He rarely missed a block on a blitzing linebacker, sparing the quarterbacks he helped protect from untold pain.

He was accessible to fans, never losing touch with his humble, small town Mississippi roots. Hes ben a constant presence at charity functions ever since he turned pro, shaking hands and chatting with fans from all walks of life.

Thomas recalled a turkey giveaway McAllister hosted during a recent Thanksgiving.

“So many fans came up to Deuce saying, Thank you for all youve done, Thomas said. “Id seen one lady just start crying, and when you see that, you know that this is a special guy,

McAllister isnt yet sure what his long-term future may hold with he Saints. He said hes had “conversations with Payton about various roles he could fill. McAllister said hes not yet ready to be a coach, but might be interested in working in the front office, perhaps one day moving up to general manager.

For now, though, hes enjoying his current role as honorary captain.

When McAllister led the Saints onto the Louisiana Superdome field for their playoff opener against the Cardinals, the Superdome crowd went wild. Although McAllister was not in uniform, fans still called out, “Deuce! in key short-yardage situations during that game.

“I heard it and Im not even dressed. Im in street clothes, McAllister said, starting to laugh. “That just shows you I guess the love that I have from that city.

“I loved it, Saints kicking consultant John Carney said of the chants for Deuce during the game.

Carney played with McAllister in New Orleans for a half-dozen seasons and said it was important to have McAllister along for the playoff ride.

“When I think of Deuce, I think of a player that embodies what we want to be about and we want to represent as a New Orleans Saints, Carney said. “That is tough, dependable, strong - a guy whos got strong faith in his abilities, a guy that anybody would want as a teammate and friend.

Posted on February 4th, 2010 by admin
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Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will have surgery on his left knee and is expected to be ready in time for training camp.

The team said Tuesday that the operation, which will repair the patella ligament that holds the kneecap in place, will be performed by Jets physician Dr. Ken Montgomery and orthopedist Dr. Elliott Hershman in the next few weeks.

Sanchez, who led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his rookie season, will miss some offseason workouts, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum has said the quarterback would be completely healthy by the start of training camp in July if he had surgery.

The Daily News of New York first reported Sanchezs decision.

Sanchez dislocated the kneecap during fall practice before his junior season at USC. He has worn a brace on the knee since, but he aggravated the injury during a Nov. 29 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Sanchez had both knees examined by team doctors last week and sought a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., before deciding on surgery. It is expected to help prevent future tweaks to the kneecap area.

I think everyones on the same page, Tannenbaum said last week. Its not going to be anything major.

Sanchez wont need any procedures on his right knee, which sustained a sprained posterior cruciate ligament during a Dec. 3 game against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto and caused him to miss one game. That injury will heal through rehabilitation.

After throwing 20 interceptions during the regular season, Sanchez had just two in three postseason games and fell one win short of becoming the first rookie quarterback to start in the Super Bowl. He also joined Baltimores Joe Flacco as the only rookie quarterbacks to win two playoff games.

The fifth overall draft pick last year, Sanchez finished the regular season throwing for 2,444 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he had a dismal 63.0 passer rating. He took much better care of the ball down the stretch and finished the playoffs going 41 of 68 for 539 yards with four touchdowns and a 92.7 rating.

Posted on February 3rd, 2010 by admin
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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga pleaded guilty to drunken driving Tuesday and received a suspended sentence.

The rookie linebacker was arrested four days ago after police said he hit a parking meter and two parked cars in northern Kentucky. He was charged with drunken and careless driving, and a court hearing was scheduled for Feb. 25.

Maualuga changed his plea to guilty on the drunken-driving charge Tuesday and received a suspended seven-day jail sentence. The careless driving charge was dropped. Maualuga had his drivers license suspended for 90 days and was ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug education program.

Maualuga also was put on probation for two years and ordered to pay $884 in a fine, plus court costs. Hell also have to make restitution for damages from the accident, which havent been determined yet.

In a statement released through his agents, Maualuga apologized for letting everyone down and making a terrible decision to drive under the influence. I wanted to acknowledge fault quickly and accept the consequences for my actions, which are the same that anyone else facing these charges would receive.

Maualuga was a second-round draft pick out of USC last year. He quickly became a starter and a fan favorite for his hard-hitting play. He ranked fourth on the Bengals in tackles when he broke his left ankle during a Dec. 27 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, forcing him to miss the final regular-season game and a 26-14 playoff loss to the New York Jets.

After appearing in court Tuesday, Maualuga told reporters that he was sorry for bringing such great humiliation and embarrassment to the team. … I will learn from this and become a better person and a better man from all this. And I will assure you that this will never happen again.

The Bengals said they were disappointed in the linebackers conduct that led to the arrest.

We expect a higher standard from our players, as is stressed to them continually, the team said in a statement. Rey must work to repair the damage this has done to his reputation, and he has begun that process with an apology, an expression of strong remorse and a prompt resolution in the Kentucky court.

Posted on February 3rd, 2010 by admin
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The wife of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek has been found dead in a home.

Burleson spokeswoman Sally Ellertson says police in the Fort Worth suburb responded to a call of a possible suicide early Monday.

The Tarrant County medical examiner identified the woman as 45-year-old LeAnne Novacek, 45, whose home address was listed in the nearby town of Joshua.

Authorities havent said how she died but are investigating.

Jay Novacek starred for the Cowboys in 1990-96 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last summer.

Posted on February 2nd, 2010 by admin
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The hope is that Dwight Freeney will play in Sundays Super Bowl for the Indianapolis Colts.

The plan is to play the game without him.

After Freeney missed all four practices last week, Coach Jim Caldwell said Monday the team was preparing to play without the injured All-Pro defensive end.

He hasnt been practicing, so if hes not practicing, we are preparing to not have him, Caldwell told reporters after arriving in South Florida. If he cant go, well do some rotations, and Raheem (Brock) will be a big part of that.

Freeney is listed as questionable on the teams injury report with a sprained right ankle. Caldwell reiterated the teams position, saying Freeney has a third-degree, low-ankle sprain and is improving.

A week after team president Bill Polian said Freeney would play, he now says the players chance of seeing action was 50-50.

One report indicated Freeney had torn a ligament and a person close to Freeney told The Associated Press on Sunday that the ankle was really bad. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because his information differed from the teams.

However, the Colts remain optimistic.

Im very hopeful he will play, quarterback Peyton Manning said. He has special characteristics about him and Im counting on those this week.

Freeney also has a penchant for disproving conventional wisdom. From the moment the Colts drafted him with the No. 11 pick in 2002, some criticized the team for reaching on a player that had been described as a situational pass rusher. Freeney came off the bench for the first eight games his rookie season and finished with 13 sacks. He became the first Indy player to win the league sacks title in 2004, with 16, and has produced at least 10 sacks in six of eight NFL seasons.

Freeney has a rare combination of speed, leverage and uncanny spin moves, which makes life difficult for opponents.

Thats why the Saints would prefer seeing as little of the five-time Pro Bowler as possible.

Obviously, Dwight Freeney is a great player. Obviously, we would love for him not to play in the game, New Orleans running back Reggie Bush said. But were going to prepare like hes playing in the game. Were going to continue to chip block. Were going to continue to do whatever we can to keep the pressure off (Drew Brees).

Freeneys teammates understand how big a blow Freeneys absence could be.

They are also convinced that Brock, an eight-year veteran who has been a key part in Indys expanded blitz packages this season, would be a capable replacement.

Of course you hope hell be out there. You want to look to your right and see Dwight, defensive tackle Daniel Muir said. Even with Dwight not out there, though, weve had success. Its next man up. If he cant go, weve got to pick up the bayonet and go.

Thats been the Colts motto since former coach Tony Dungy arrived in 2002, and it has never been more imperative than this season.

Indy won its first 14 games despite losing starters Bob Sanders, Marlin Jackson, Tyjuan Hagler and Kelvin Hayden for long stretches. Only Hayden has returned.

Now, though, the concern is focused squarely on Indys most important defensive player and whether hell be as effective - if he plays at all.

Dwight is playing and he will be 100 percent by the game, Brackett joked, poking fun at the intrigue before turning serious. Honestly, I have no clue. But if anybody can come back from an injury, its Dwight. Hes had weird things all season. People said he would miss 10 weeks and then he plays in seven days.

The question is: Can he do it again?

Its a tough deal, but injuries happen in football. Come Sunday, Im confident hell be there, said Hayden, who is best remembered for scoring the game-sealing touchdown in the Colts Super Bowl victory three years ago. Im kind of certain and confident that hell be out there and that hell be effective.

Posted on February 2nd, 2010 by admin
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