Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Patriots 31
Vikings 7

Teddy’s Take: Improvement!

Week after week, Bill Belichick and the Patriots talk about improvement. “We need to improve. We did some things well, other things we can do better.� You hear it over and over again till it becomes almost cliché and an excuse not to answer a question directly.

You know what, though? It’s true. Every championship team is better in October than in September…better in  November than October…better in December than in November…and so it goes till the best team is left standing in January/February. Right now, this Patriots team appears to be following that path.

When they beat the Bengals in Week-4, we said it was their best performance of the year. After struggling against Miami going into the bye, New England returned with its best performance yet at Buffalo. And now this. Taking the opponent and venue into account, the victory over the Vikings was by far the best performance of the year. (Notice that all these games came on the road? Another good sign for the future!)

All of which sets up a mammoth matchup against the Colts next Sunday night. The winner of that game controls its destiny for home field in the AFC playoffs. I know there’ll still be plenty of time left, but an Indy win all but assures dome playoff games for them. Should the Pats win, they’ll move atop the conference standings and have an opportunity to force teams to Foxboro in January. We know how that’s worked out in the past.

I can’t wait!

Shining Stars: A giant star on the forehead goes, first and foremost, to the head coach. Faced with a great run defense, Bill Belichick and his staff devised a game plan to spread the field and throw the ball almost every down, neutralizing Minnesota’s stellar line. Unlike coaches who stick to their strength even when it isn’t working, Belichick is willing to attack the opponent’s weakness, taking what is given and refusing to “bang our heads against the wall,� as he likes to say. It may not sound like a big deal, but remember Mike Martz’ stubbornness and know that the former Rams coach isn’t alone in his stubbornness.

At this rate, Tom Brady is going to need a bigger forehead for all the stars he’s accumulating. 372-yards, 4-TD’s and receptions by 10-different receivers helped Tom Terrific keep his dome record perfect (11-0). He even screamed at a fan who threw a drink at Ben Watson after his touchdown…The receivers get one as a unit. Doug Gabriel was strong early, Reche Caldwell took over in the second quarter, and Watson was solid throughout. Throw in scores by Troy Brown and Chad Jackson (great individual effort), and you have the best game yet for this maligned group.

Laurence Maroney gets one for the huge kickoff return that silenced the crowd after the Vikings only score…Lastly, lets hand out stars to the entire defense for shutting out a good team at home. Too bad a special teams score kept them from getting official recognition for the shutout and extra points for fantasy owners throughout the country.

Quality Quote: “His favorite receiver’s the one who’s open.�—Bill Belichick talking about Tom Brady’s ability to spread the ball.

So what did you think of the game? Best performance of the year? What about the upcoming contest? Do the Pats continue their mastery or did Peyton Manning get the Belichick monkey off his back last year?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

No matter how much good or bad one does in life, you can count on kind words being spoken about them in death. Of course, the genuineness of the eulogies is in direct proportion to the number of friends accumulated, but even those who leave behind a trail of adversaries draw rave reviews when life’s final act is complete.

That’s why I’m so enjoying the reaction to Arnold “Red� Auerbach’s passing.

Let’s face it. Outside of Massachusetts, this was the most hated man in pro basketball for almost half a century. To this day, I’m convinced the NBA stuck it to the Celtics, making them carry Reggie Lewis’ salary on the books years after his death to get back at Auerbach.

Some would say with good reason. I still remember the 1984 championship over the hated and hyped Lakers. Red, soaked in champagne and cigar smoke, grabbed the trophy and told a national television audience; “the real dynasty is right here, in Boston.� You see, Auerbach’s Celtics ruled the basketball world like no other sports dynasty before or after ruled its world. Suggestions that any team could challenge the Celtics place in history wouldn’t be tolerated. Not as long as Red Auerbach drew a breath.

The feistiness was nothing new to those familiar with the young Auerbach. While a certain football coach around these parts has gotten a lot of mileage out of “us versus them,� Red wrote the book on the mentality. You don’t win eight titles in eight years, or eleven in thirteen, without finding new and creative ways to rally the troops.

Those foolish enough to hang balloons in the rafters (Los Angeles) or hand out 5,000 victory cigars to their fans (Cincinnati) in anticipation of beating the C’s were playing right into the master motivator’s hands. “You know what you can do with your all your cigars� Auerbach told them. In case they didn’t, his team went out and showed them.

Unfortunately, I’m not old enough to recall Red as coach. The man I remember ruled from behind a desk, “playing chess while everyone else played checkers� as agent Ron Grinker once said. Suffering through a losing season while waiting for junior-eligible draft pick Larry Bird to turn pro was but the greatest example of sacrificing a pawn for a queen.

Not that front office life tamed him. Whether getting ejected from a legends all-star game or descending from the stands to fight Moses Malone during a pre-season brawl, Auerbach’s competitive fire was never doused. Which perhaps explains how a cigar-smoking man with health issues in his latter years lived to the age of 89.

So it’s fitting that in death, even his fiercest enemies on the court, those he tormented and took jabs at till the end, still offer praise. From the likes of Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, the kind words are more out of respect than love. But around these parts, the tributes come from love and admiration, the love and admiration a family feels for one of its own.

We understand why others may not have seen him the way we did. So what. Arnold Auerbach was the patriarch of Boston basketball, so great at what he did and so loyal and caring to the Celtics, we didn’t care what others thought. We loved him for who he was and were glad he was on our side.

Rest in peace Red. I, for one, will light a victory cigar in your honor.

What are your thoughts and remembrances of Red Auerbach?   

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

The second installment of updates and news around the world of hockey....

Buffalo had their streak ended at 10 games, losing Saturday night in a shoot out to Atlanta. The Sabres now share the best record to start a season with the 1993 Maple Leafs. It was an amazing run for Buffalo and don't be surprised if they go back on a winning streak, hey maybe, just maybe, the Bruins can capitalize and serve Buffalo another loss Thursday night at the Garden ... I can hope can't I?....

Speaking of the Bruins... Captain Zdeno Chara led his team to victory over his old squad, Ottawa, Saturday at the Garden. One thing that impressed me was the Bs actually skated for 60 minutes and the only goal they allowed was the full 5-on-3 penalty kill ... Tim Thomas looked pretty solid in net, but I'm still not ready to call Belfour to order the rings and wait outside Gov't Center to see the Cup hoisted.....

The Flyers are now officially last in the entire league with a record of 2-7-1 for 5
points. They got trounced on Saturday 8-2 at the skates of Pittsburgh ....

Speaking of the Pens... Sidney Crosby got his first career hat trick in the game and his counter part, Evgeni Malkin registered his 5th goal in as many games. Pittsburgh sits in second place in their division (1-point behind the Devils). Who would have guessed the Penguins would have gone from worst in the league last year to what they have done thus far....

Joe Thornton scored his first goal of the season in San Jose's 4-2 win over Tampa Bay Saturday night. Thornton has 13 assists to go along with his lone goal this season so far....

The Devils erased the memory of a 6-4 loss in Springfield Friday night when they beat the same team 4-1 at the Tsongas Saturday afternoon. A scary moment came when Captain Dan McGillis went down in the second with a stick to the face. McGillis returned for the 3rd and after the game this is what he had to say about it...
"A couple of stitches, not too bad. At least it's just skin, skin heals. I'm just glad it wasn't my teeth, that would mean going to the dentist and I hate that."

The Devils held a Halloween contest at the game. Thomas Meal of Chelmsford won a chance to go Trick-or-Treating with the Devils mascot tomorrow night.

The Baby Bs won both their contests this past weekend with a 5-4 shoot out win over Bridgeport and 7-4 at Portland.

Providence is 4-2-1 while the Devils are 3-4 so far this season...

Now on to Hockey East ....

Talking to McGillis after the Devils game I realized how much he still cares about his roots.
He asked me if I saw that the Huskies lost to Michigan 4-3 in OT the night before. See, McGillis was also a Husky. It's always nice to see a hockey player so far removed from his college days (he played from 1992 - 1996 at NU) still checking how the team's doing (not to mention he remembered that I also graduated from Northeastern LOL). Not to worry Husky fans, Northeastern bounced back and defeated Michigan 3-2 on Saturday. The Huskies will also travel to New Hampshire on Friday when they take on the Wildcats in a Hockey East game - GOOOO HUSKIES!

The women's team didn't fair as well, they dropped a 7-4 decision to BC on Sunday at Matthews Arena.

The Riverhawks skated to a 2-2 tie with Providence Saturday night at the Tsongas after defeating BU 2-1 the night before. BU will look to get revenge when they take on Lowell Friday night at the Tsongas. The Riverhawks currently sit in second place in Hockey East with 3 points, just one behind BU.

Hockey East match-ups this week:
Tues., Oct. 31 - BC @ Providence

Fri., Nov. 3 - Providence @ Massachusetts; Boston University @ UMass Lowell; Northeastern @ UNH and Maine @ Merrimack

Sat., Nov. 4 - Massachusetts @ Providence; Merrimack @ UMass Lowell; Maine @ BU; UNH @ Northeastern and Vermont @ BC

The Bruins take on Buffalo at the Garden Thursday night, then Tampa Bay on Saturday - How many points do you think the Bs can take out of the two games? The Devils have 3 games this weekend - Fri. at Manchester, Sat. at Binghampton and Sunday at home when the face the Falcons again... Think the Devils can sweep the weekend?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

If there was a living embodiment of the Boston Celtics, and arguable and embodiment of the NBA, his name was Red Auerbach.

Auerbach was a member of the National Basketball Association since its formation in 1946 and a member of the Celtics since 1950. From 1950-1966, he coached the Celtics to nine world titles (eight in consecutive from 1959-1966). Prior to the 1966-67 season he made the move to work exclusively as the general manager, and he appointed Bill Russell as player-coach.

Some of his major victories as an administrator included making the trades and draft picks that brought the Celtics Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton, and Danny Ainge, the current Celtics director of basketball operations.

Red Auerbach's coaching record

Reaction from the basketball community

David Stern, NBA Commissioner: “Red Auerbach was known best for his extraordinary success as an NBA head coach, but his leadership and passion had a profound impact away from the court. Beyond his incomparable achievements, Red had come to be our basketball soul and our basketball conscience. The void left by his death will never be filled. The NBA family extends its sympathy to his daughters Nancy and Randy, and Red's entire family."

Bob Cousy, former Celtics point guard: “In think Arnold was an absolute giant in the field. I have been around a lot of competitive people but his commitment to winning was absolute – nothing was more important. He was relentless and produced the greatest basketball dynasty so far that this country has ever seen and certainly that the NBA has ever seen. This is a personal loss for me, Arnold and I have been together since 1950. I was fortunate that I was able to attend a function with him Wednesday night when he was honored by the United States Naval Memorial Foundation in Washington, and I am so glad now that I took the time to be there and spend a few more moments with him.�

Tom Heinsohn, former Celtics player and coach: “Nobody has had as much impact on a sport as Red Auerbach had on the game of basketball. He was a pioneer of the NBA. He left his philosophy of winning championships, playing hard and playing as a team with several generations of players. He was truly a great manager of people because he got people to commit to who they were as people and what their role was on the team. He was exceptional at listening and motivating people to put out their very best. In my playing days he once gave me a loaded cigar and six months later I gave him one – that was our relationship. We had a tremendous amount of fun and the game of basketball will never see anyone else like him.�

To contribute your thoughts and memories of Celtics legend Red Auerbach. Click the comments link below.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The following release came from the Celtics organization Saturday night.

The Boston Celtics regretfully announce the passing of President Arnold ‘Red’ Auerbach.  Auerbach, 89 and who was born on September 20, 1917, passed away suddenly today in Washington, DC.

Red was responsible for 16 World Championships, was known as the greatest coach ever to have lived and the Celtics are dedicating this upcoming season in his honor.

Auerbach is survived by his two daughters, Nancy Auerbach Collins and Randy Auerbach; his granddaughter, Julie Auerbach Flieger and three great-grandchildren.

On Wednesday, October 25, in his last public appearance, Auerbach proudly received the U.S. Navy’s Lone Sailor Award in front of family and friends at ceremonies in Washington, DC.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

So much for American League dominance!

While the baseball world spent the entire season discussing how dominant the AL was over their NL counterparts, the St. Louis Cardinals went out and spanked the Detroit Tigers around in the World Series. Of course, the Motown boys didn’t help the cause with their play. I mean, come on. How hard is it for a pitcher to throw the ball to third base?

Naturally, I fell in with the pack predicting a Detroit romp, even suggesting in my poll question that a sweep was as likely as a Cards win. Shows you how much I know! The team with only 83-wins in the regular season, the lowest total of any World Series champion ever, won the Fall Classic in 5-games. Topping it all off, former Lowell Spinner David Eckstein earned MVP honors and New Hampshire native Chris Carpenter, who I spoke with on a few occassions in a previous life, showed why he's a legitimate ace.

Other than that, I didn’t really have much or a rooting interest at all in the series. I'd have been happy for either team because both are great baseball towns. But as I watched St. Louis celebrate the final out, I felt a sense of joy for them because of the way they treated the Red Sox in 2004.

It was amazing to see Cardinal fans happy for us even as our team swept theirs. It was even classier of St. Louis ownership and management to open up their stadium and let the Sox fans outside the ballpark come in and celebrate the World Series victory in their home.

So once again St. Louis…Thank you! And congratulations on your own Championship!!!

What did you think of the Series? Did any of you see this coming? Was anyone there in 2004 to see St. Louis’ class first hand?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Couldn’t resist the urge to use this picture one more time.

Many have theorized The Victim uses a method of “picking� games similar to Vince Wilfork. That would be giving him too much credit. I can assure you, there isn’t even that much science involved in our pigskin prognosticator’s decisions. On with the show:

Jacksonville (+7) over Philadelphia
NY Giants (-9) over Tampa Bay
Indianapolis (+3) over Denver
Carolina (-5 ½) over Dallas
Minnesota (+2) over New England

Last week’s record: 2-2
Season record: 21-11

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The New Jersey Nets announced on Friday that they have exercised the third-year option on the contract of guard/forward Antoine Wright, The announcement means that he will remain under contract with the Nets through the 2007-08 season. The option was reportedly worth $1.68 million.

Wright, a former standout at Groton’s Lawrence Academy and the highest ever draft pick out of Texas A&M University (15th overall in 2005), played in 39 games as a rookie, averaging 1.8 points per game in just 9.5 minutes per contest.

He spent parts of this past off-season working with veterans Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson as well as working a lot in New Jersey with Nets head coach Lawrence Frank.

“I was just working on my game, working on stuff he (Frank) thought I needed to work on in order to play on a consistent basis,� Wright said when the Nets paid a visit to Boston this preseason. “Basically, just learning how to play off the players on our team, knowing what positions to be in in order to be effective on offense.�

This preseason, Wright averaged 13.7 points and 3.1 rebounds through seven games.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

I'm all for calling penalties IF THEY ARE CALLED ON BOTH ENDS OF THE ICE....

In case you missed it the Bs lost to Montreal 3 -2 with 1.2 seconds left, and yes the penalty call on recently called-up Matt Lashoff was a good call, but what about the Kessel mugging on the other end of the ice???

Either way, the call was not made and it was on Lashoff, but please oh please, DO NOT LITTER THE ICE - that is not what a true Bruins fan would do - that's just purely juvenile.

The only good news coming out of the game was Phil Kessel scored his second goal in as many games and Zdeno Chara got his first as a Bruin.

The Senators come to town Saturday night, should be intersting for Chara, but who gets the start in net, Thomas or Toivonen? I say Thomas. Agree or disagree?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has exercised the team option on Tony Allen’s contract for the 2007-08 season.

Allen, a 6-4, 240lb guard played in 51 games for the Celtics in 2005-06, averaging 7.2 points, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steal in 19.2 minutes per game last season.

The Celtics also announced that they have waived Brian Grant and Luke Jackson. Jackson was acquired on October 13, 2006 in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center Dwayne Jones and cash considerations.

In the four preseason games that Jackson played with the Celtics, he averaged 2.8 points in 5.3 minutes per contest.

Grant was acquired in the draft night trade that saw the Celtics also acquire the draft rights to Rajon Rondo and cash considerations from Phoenix. Grant did not appear in a preseason game for the Celtics.

The Celtics roster currently stands at 15 players. Check back for more updates from Celtics camp.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

We’ll break from format here for a bit. Rather than hear from the Patriots coach, I thought you might enjoy reading what Vikings coach Brad Childress thinks of the Pats. (Or at least what he’s willing to say for public consumption)

Kind of like switching the channel to listen to the national broadcast instead of the hometown announcers, I usually find it more interesting to hear what everyone else thinks of our team.

“I think the thing about them is they’ve been able to be good over the course of time.  When everybody counted them out, and Miami is going to win that division, they’ll be the tall dog in that division. They just have a steely resolve to them and that’s what you appreciate.  Whether it’s in how their offensive linemen play, their defensive linemen play, they play the game physically.  Defensively we talked about them being…(they’re) the sixth-best team running the football in the National Football League in there with the Atlantas and the Denvers, so they know how to run a football.  By the same token, they have the ability to come out, as they did on Monday Night Football a few years ago, and throw the ball 25 times in a row out of an empty set.  So I think the thing is that they’re not one-dimensional.  They’ve got a guy that understands what’s going on behind the center.  They’re multiple on defense.  We spent two weeks preparing before the Super Bowl for a 3-4 defense, and they didn’t play a 3-4 defense in the Super Bowl.  They played an even front with guys in both ‘A’ gaps, so you have to be ready for anything and that’s what makes them difficult to prepare for.  They’re smart guys.  They’re not just going to throw it against the wall and hope it works.  There is going to be some rhyme and reason to it.  (They’ve) got guys like (Tedy) Bruschi, (Mike) Vrabel, those guys that have done it for a long period of time. (Rosevelt) Colvin just was coming into his own when we played them (with Philadelphia).  They’ve got guys back there that know what’s going on – Rodney Harrison.  So again, that steely resolve is what’s there and when people count them out is when they’re at their best. So a dangerous football team, good football team.â€?

Isn’t it better reading complimentary things from other folks instead of the usual homers?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This lovely photo comes directly from the national TV broadcast of the Patriots game in Buffalo, when CBS came back from commercial to a shot of Vince Wilfork on the bench.

I guess this brings new meaning to the Nose Tackle position. Either that, or Bill Belichick asked his defense to come up with a pick and the young defensive lineman misunderstood.

I'll leave the stage now, so the more creative readers of this blog can come up with their own humorous captions. As a little added incentive, I'm willing to dole out a pair of center-ice Lowell Devils tickets to person with the funniest comment.

Have fun gang!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I’ve always thought running a marathon was about the stupidest thing an individual could do to his or her body. What I never realized was how dangerous it could be as well. Witness what happened in Chicago.

Joseph Cheruiyot of Kenya, who also emerged victorious at this year’s Boston Marathon, crossed the finish line first in the Windy City. Unfortunately, he didn’t cross it standing. Instead of getting to celebrate his victory, Cheruiyot was taken directly from the finish line to the hospital. The skinny dude, who makes his living with his legs, needed three forms of transportation to get him there…a wheelchair, a golf cart and finally, an ambulance.

We’re happy to report he’ll be fine, though I’m guessing he comes up with a new way to celebrate his next marathon win!

Here's the video...the picture alone doesn't do this justice!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This one comes from Bill Belichick’s “day after� press conference (Monday). Other than a little “dodgeball� session over the Richard Seymour injury, this one was your typical ho-hum affair until the coach started discussing a famous Lawrence Taylor play:

BB:"I still think back to the Lawrence Taylor play in ’82 against Detroit. It was on Thanksgiving Day. They were down on the goal line on about our two or three yard line and they threw the ball out in the flat and he intercepted. The guy who he was throwing it to who was behind him, down on the play. So when Taylor intercepted it and the guy who was out there fell down, there was literally nobody…once he started running, there was nobody within 50 yards of him. He was running down the sideline and he looked over his shoulder and he saw the shadow. Of course it was his shadow, but he thought there was the guy right there, so he kept running and he looked and he kept running. He's literally running as fast as he could run and there's nobody within 50 yards of him. As he gets to the end, like about the 20 and the 10, and then he dives and loses his balance kind of going into the end zone and half of their team was walking off the field like, ‘Okay, he's going to score,’ and they’re kind of walking off the field. Honest to God, he thought there was a guy like two feet away from him. So it was a pretty comical play, but when you're out there and it's happening, sometimes it's a lot different than what it looks like to us on the sideline or if you're up in the press box where it's so obvious. We looked at the play on film the next day. The team was rolling on the floor. It was ridiculous. He really thought they were breathing down his neck."

Q: So he was literally running away from his own shadow?

BB: "He was running away from his own shadow and I'm telling you, there wasn't anybody within 50 yards of him. Maybe more than that. I don’t even think they were at midfield because they saw they had no chance. He was already way out there, but he never even slowed down at all. It was truly the 100-yard dash."

LT was seeing shadows, huh? Now why doesn't that surprise me one bit? "I was set-up like a mutha-*%&^@*%"

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Time to hop on TheSunBlog Express for a little tour of the area’s major sports teams;

The 5-1 start has optimism running rampant, but we’ll have a better idea where the 2006 Patriots are heading after these next two weeks. The schedule has Bill Belichick’s troops in Minnesota for a Monday night meeting with the Vikings, then returning home for a Sunday night showdown against Peyton Manning and the Colts.

In the NFL, wins over quality opponents separate the men from the boys. The next two contests fall squarely into the “quality� category. I’d love to lump this New England squad with its Super Bowl predecessors, but I’m not sold quite yet. Images of the Broncos manhandling the Pats keep playing over and over in my mind, like a bad commercial. Head On, apply directly to the forehead!

Victories over the Vikes and Colts would go a long way toward curing my headache.

I’m dying to see the Bruins turn things around. I’m even willing to be patient. Honestly I am. So here’s my advice: Forget wins and losses. Concentrate on player development.

The big debate right now (isn’t it always?) involves the goaltenders. Is Hannu Toivonen a #1? I don’t know, but there’s only one way to find out. Stick with him, through thick and thin. If Tim Thomas plays more than once every two weeks, I’ll lose faith in this new regime.

It’s bad enough we have to watch the Maple Leafs to find out if Andrew Raycroft is a legit NHL backstop. Let’s not make the same mistake with Toivonen.

P.S. Get a haircut kid. If you’re going to struggle in the macho world of pro hockey, you’d better not look like Manon Rheaume in the process.

If you haven’t seen Rajon Rondo yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. The Celtics rookie point guard provides a highlight reel play per game.

One night, it’s a one-handed dunk of a missed shot followed by a steal and layin off the inbounds pass. (Think Len Bias vs. North Carolina). Saturday, he stripped the ball from a Knick, drove the court, and then in one motion faked a behind the back pass and kissed it in off the glass. (Think Harlem Globetrotters)

Sebastian Telfair better put the Fabolous incident behind him, or his fabulous understudy is going to upstage him on the depth chart.

I can’t wait for the World Series to end. No so much because I’m not interested, but more so because I’m curious to see what the Red Sox have cooking in the hot stove.

Will they continue with the youth movement or make a run at established veterans through trade and free agency? Who will close now that Jonathan Papelbon is moving into the rotation? Will this be the off-season they finally move Manny Ramirez?

Here’s a prediction; if they do unload Manny but don’t add some protection to the batting order, David Ortiz won’t stay silent.

I believe the seeds have been planted. The happy-go-lucky Big Papi’s uncharacteristic rant about the MVP award was a sign of frustration at last season’s collapse. I think that frustration could very well boil over at his own front office if he senses another 3rd place finish on the horizon.

No inside info here…just a hunch.

What do you think?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Patriots 28
Bills 6

Reason to Dance: The Patriots played their best all-around game of the year in Buffalo, coming away with a comfortable victory that was all but decided by the start of the second quarter. The offense was efficient and didn’t make mistakes, with my favorite stat being the 8-of-15 on 3rd down conversions. The defense was solid as well, though the unit won’t get full credit because it faced a poor offense with perhaps the worst starting QB in the league.

The only negatives were the injuries to Eugene Wilson and Richard Seymour. Wilson’s didn’t appear serious…Seymour’s could be very serious. What surprised me was that the big DE was in the locker room talking about the arm injury after the game. That’s usually a big no-no. I’m not sure if that’s a re-assuring sign or an effort to throw everyone off about the seriousness of it. Hopefully, we’ll know more soon. Then again, he’ll probably be described as day-to-day for the rest of the year.

Shining Stars: The entire class should get a star on the forehead for this performance, but there were a couple of students who really aced this exam. Cory Dillon’s stats don’t overwhelm (14-caries, 47-yards) but he ran hard and effectively on those two early TD runs to set the tone and give New England a lead the Bills weren’t capable of overcoming…Ben Watson (5-receptions, 60-yards) stepped his game up a notch with Daniel Graham sidelined. Watson’s been a bit of a disappointment to fantasy owners who expected a big breakthrough year, but there was nothing elementary about his performance on this day. (I’d give Chad Jackson a star for his first career TD, but it was his only catch of the day. Besides, he’s gotta come up with some better dance steps than that!)

On the other side of the ball, Asante Samuel had an interception and was his usual buzz-saw self…Junior Seau led the team with 9 tackles…Tedy Brushi and Mike Vrabel chipped in with 7-stops as the linebacking corps was all over the field.

Finally, let’s give props to Tom Brady for another efficient performance and for spreading the ball around to a very mediocre group of pass catchers. I know he makes it look easy and he won’t say a bad word about the receivers. But know this; there isn’t a top QB in the league that’s been able to make as much chicken salad out of this much chicken “you know what!�

Quality Quote: “Stupidity by me.�—Tom Brady, describing his touchdown pass to Doug Gabriel. What does that tell you about the guy when he’s beating himself up on the field and in the post-game over a play that resulted in seven points?

What are your impressions of the performance? Easier “W� than expected or just what you thought?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Just a few updates from the world of hockey (I figured I'd do this once a week)....

With the Flyers off to a horrendous start (1-6-1 for just 3 points- the worst the club has seen in 15 years) GM Bob Clarke resigned and head coach Ken Hitchcock was fired - WOW did not see Hitchcock getting fired that quickly into the season - especially since he signed a 3-year deal during training camp - talk about having little faith in your coach....

Rookie phenom, Evgeni Malkin has scored three goals in just as many games - I think the combo of Malkin and Sidney Crosby is going to be very exciting this year - the question is will Malkin have the same type of season that Ovechkin had last year - Malkin may just break the record for goals scored by a rookie - yes I know it's early in the season, but he has only played in three games - not too shabby....

The Sabres are off to an amazing start at 8-0- Let it be known right now - I PICK THE SABRES TO WIN THE CUP THIS YEAR (see last year I picked the 'Canes to win the Cup, but no one believed I did - so hear I am on record; Buffalo will win the Cup). I said in my fantasy hockey post that I thought Ryan Miller was the reason Buffalo went to the Conference Finals last year - and they came extremely close to making it to the finals - I think this team is for real and I think they can do it this year - JMO....

The Bs won their home opener, but got killed by the outstanding Sabres, Saturday night 6-2; I have said all along that Hannu Toivonen is not a #1 goalie - but hey what do I know? I have also said from the beginning of training camp that the one thing that truly worried me about this club is the goaltending tandem and my worries have not gone away - yes again, I know it's early in the season - but the Bs have two back-up goalies on their roster and until they change that - I'm very skeptical of this team making it to the playoffs. Believe me I still "BLEED BLACK AND GOLD" but I am not delusional. The Bs don't hit the ice again until Thursday when Montreal comes to town- welcome back Sammy....

The Devils split their games this weekend, Portland defeated Lowell 3-2 but the Devils got their revenge on the Sharks after last weekends 6-2 loss. Lowell beat Worster on Sunday 3-2, Dan McGillis scored twice in the Devils' victory. Lowell is now 2-3 on the season....

The baby Bs aren't off to a much better start than the big club; they're 2-2-1 thus far. Brian Finley has started all 5 games for Providence and is posting a 3.17 GAA and .897 Sv%....

Northeastern got their first victory of the season, also their home opener, beating Union 5-0 on Saturday in a non-conference match-up. The Huskies are 1-2-1 on the season this far - and yes, I had to put NU first since well - I WAS A HUSKY lol....

The Riverhawks also got their first victory of the season after they dominated Niagra 7-4 on Friday and are now 1-2-1 on the season. UMass-Lowell has yet to play a Hockey East game, but gets gets the opportunity to get some points this weekend; Friday night they travel to BU and then the 'Hawks host Providence Saturday night for their home opener at the Tsongas.

The Eagles split their weekend games with a 7-1 loss to Notre Dame and a 5-1 victory over Bowling Green. Boston College is off to a 2-1 start thus far; they beat, well, NU for their first Hockey East game of the season with all of their graduated players in the stands cheering them on....

The Terriers are off to a great start in Hockey East beating Merrimack 4-1 this weekend. Boston University is 2-0-1 overall with the 2 victories coming in Hockey East match-ups (yes, they beat my Huskies)....

Hockey East match-ups this week are:
Thurs., Oct. 26 - Massachusetts @ UNH
Fri., Oct. 27 - Merrimack @ Providence and Lowell @ BU
Sat. Oct. 28 - Providence @ Lowell and Massachusetts @ Maine

Northeastern's womens team, just like the men, have got off to rocky start this year (1-5) but they beat Maine 6-5 Sunday for their first Hockey East victory of the season after dropping two to Providence on Wednesday and Saturday. Northeastern over came a 5-1 deficit to secure their first win ....YES, I had to add them...

OH, and for the record - I did watch the Bruins in 2 for both the Calgary and Buffalo games - it's great to hear Dale Arnold again! I may not agree with everything Dale has to say on WEEI - like when he still says that Hal "No Skills" Gill got more booing than he deserved in Boston or that trading Andrew Raycroft was a good thing for the Bs, but again I LOVE the way he calls the Bs' games. Thank God, it's a 6-game home stand- I need a break from the forever dull and well, annoying Jack Edwards...

Once again, THE best picture of Hal Gill ever...LOL

Who's your pick for the Stanley Cup this year? What about Hockey East?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Generally, Bill Belichick’s most entertaining press conferences come Friday, and this week was no exception.

Wednesday is circus day in Foxboro, where pretty much every media outlet in New England invades Gillette Stadium to hear the coach and players speak for the first time about the upcoming game. The stories you read the rest of the week are usually gathered on this day and run Thursday through Sunday, as the smaller news outlets can’t send someone down the entire week.

The TV cameras are also out in full force on hump day, which kind of puts everyone on high alert not to say something inflammatory. You see, you can always claim you were misquoted or taken out of context in a newspaper story. That’s harder to do when your face and voice are on video. So as a result, Belichick and the leaders of the team, always cautious not to rile up the opposition or say the wrong thing, get even more tight lipped. Woe is the rookie or young veteran who dares speak his mind.

By Friday, only the real hard-core beat writers and football junkies are there (very rarely are the television crews), the ones the coach and players are most familiar and comfortable with. As a result, the atmosphere is more relaxed…the serious X’s and O’s stuff has already been discussed…and the conversations turn somewhat reflective and nostalgic. Such was the case on this day, as Belichick touched on a number of interesting topics you rarely hear him discuss.

Rather than bore those of you who don’t care, I won’t publish every word here. But if you want to hear Belichick talk about players skipping out on curfew, whether he has a favorite Super Bowl, the Bills dynasty of the early ‘90’s, or how facing them with the Giants compared to facing the Rams in the ’01 Super Bowl, click on the link at the end of this post.

(Hint: It's the tiny blue script on the bottom left that says "continue reading Bill's Blurbs"...then scroll down a bit....Hey! We're trying some new technology here...work with me!)

As for my single favorite quote of the day, here’s BB talking about getting to 4 consecutive Super Bowls only to have lost them all:

"I’m sure for whatever good feelings they have about getting there, they had more disappointment about having not won those games.  I'm not saying it isn’t better to be there.  It’s better to have loved and lost than to not loved at all.  I'm sure it's better to have been in the Super Bowl and lost than to not be there at all. Anybody I've talked that has lost that game, and I’ve been a part of that one time, it still doesn't give you a very good feeling even in the offseason."

Pretty good quote for a normally reserved guy, wouldn’t you say? How about those of you who read the rest of it…was there anything you found interesting there? Anything revealing about the coach? I get the feeling he wasn’t particularly impressed with the Bills run there.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

What else can I say?

The record speaks for itself…5-0 last week…8-1 over the last two…19-9 for the year. Let me repeat that; 19-9 for the year!!! This Victim thing is out of control. It’s too big for this blog. Pretty soon, the national media and Vegas will be left with no choice but to take note.

I challenge you to find me one pigskin prognosticator with a better documented record. I.M. Bettor? You are worse! Those clowns with the “900� numbers? Your number's up guys! Paul Zimmerman? You need to consult our guy before writing another Sports Illustrated article! Chris Berman? Kill The Swami and get behind The Victim. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!

I’m kind of torn here, not knowing whether to cry because I’m getting killed financially, or whether to gloat because only this blog has access to the hottest football handicapper in the good ole U.S. of A.

The phone is ringing off the hook. Whereas friends familiar with The Victim’s record of futility used to call for inside info on who to bet against, they’re now dialing me up to find out when I’m posting his picks so they can ride the wave. You should hear the awe in their voices. 19-9 against the spread is simply unheard of for anyone, let alone this lovable loser. It’s as if we’re living in some sort of alternate universe. Black is white. Up is down. Good is evil. Taylor Hicks is an American Idol.

The rules of wagering tell you 50-50 is about the best you can expect over the long haul. Then again, any good gambler will tell you never to bet against a streak. I say; Ride the wave!!!

Buffalo (+5 ½) over New England
NY Jets (-2 ½) over Detroit
Washington (+9) over Indianapolis
NY Giants (+3 ½) over Dallas

Last week’s record: 5-0
Season record: 19-9

OK all you football experts…what do you make of The Victim now? Continue riding the wave or time to jump off the bandwagon? Do you know of anyone, anywhere, with a better documented record?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I realize this poll question would generate 99.99% responses for the Tigers...and that's assuming anyone from St. Louis or Bill Belichick reads this blog. If not, I'm guessing it would be 100% Detroit.

Remember, since losing the opener of the Yankees series, the Motor City Madmen have won 7-games in a row, one short of the post-season record set by the 2004 Red Sox and tied by the '05 ChiSox. Seeing as how the Tigers began their streak in the Divisional Playoffs (as opposed to the ALCS), they have a legit shot to not only break the record, but make it insurmountable under the current MLB playoff format.

So to make this a bit interesting, we've added the Tigers Sweep entry. As always, feel free to post your comments:

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

As expected the Boston Celtics did make their first cuts of the preseason.Head coach Doc Rivers announced after this morning’s practice that undrafted rookie free agent signees Kevin Pittsnogle and Akin Akingbala were both waived today.

Akingbala, a 6-foot-10 240-pounder out of Clemson, played in just two of the Celtics five preseason games and logged just five minutes on the floor.

Rivers did say that he thought Akingbala had the potential to be a good player and that he thought they would see him again either with another team or possibly even down the road with the Celtics.

Pittsnogle, a 6-foot-11 250-pound center out of West Virginia who lived on his outside shooting, didn’t really seem to fit the mold of the other big guys the Celtics had in camp. He played a total of 11 minutes in three preseason games, and each of his four shot attempts came from behind three-point line.

Rivers also said that he does not expect to make any more roster cuts until late in the preseason. Final opening day rosters aren't due until October 30.

The training camp roster currently has 16 players after today's announcement. That does not count vetaran Brian Grant who's contract the Celtics acquired in the draft night trade with Phoenix that landed Rajon Rondo.

Other odds and ends

Delonte West did practice today and the Celtics hope to have him play in tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Knicks at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. West has played in just one preseason game so far after being slowed by back pain coming into camp and then an infection in his right foot after he had an ingrown toenail removed. ...Theo Ratliff (back) and Brian Scalabrine (left shoulder) will be out again for tomorrow’s game. ... As far as narrowing down a set rotation, Rivers said that right now there are about eight guys that he thinks have earned their spots in that rotation and that the number needs to be more like 10. He would not elaborate on who the eight were, instead saying that it will be evident as things play out.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Was it playing for the first time at home? Was it the former Bruin greats - Bucyk, Neely and Bourque? Was it the energy in the building?

It doesn't really matter what the reason was. The fact of the matter is ... they did it. The Bruins protected the lead, much in part to great "D", and beat the Calgary Flames 3-2.

I'm not going to recap the game, if you weren't able to watch it you can read Carmine's story in the morning ;-)

But if you didn't catch Boyes' goal just 18 secs into the game, you missed not only a beautiful goal, but an outstanding feed from Savard.... I wish I could have heard Dale Arnold call that - oh wait I will when I watch the Bruins in 2 on NESN ....again if you remember....

Brad Boyes, Brad Boyes, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when he scores on you?

"Boston Bruins power play goal scored by #27 Glen Murray, assisted by #23 Paul Mara and #71 Marc Savard at 19:24. WOOOO"

Ahh, how I missed the public address announcer at the Garden - now I know I did not get that exactly, but there is a reason for that and I will explain in a few minutes....

It was great hearing the Bruins' Goal Song (Zombie Nation by Kerkraft 400) three times!

OK, time for my little rants....

1. I love and I mean LOVE the new scoreboard at the Garden, the picture quality is amazing!!!! The only thing I didn't like was the way the penalties were displayed - too small and because I was in the corner of the ice, I didn't have a straight on shot of the scoreboard so the penalties were on the corners... but other than that LOVE, LOVE the new scoreboard!!!!

2. The sound quality at the Garden this year isn't as good as it was last year, hence the reason I could barely hear the public address announcer - not too mention my section won something tonight and no one in my section knew what we it was - that is something I hope they fix soon. I was at the game with George, my friend that critiques the games with me, and he thought that it was quite possible they might be having some electrical problems due to all the changes they have made, maybe, maybe not - but it was frustrating not being able to hear what my section won - after the game I found out it was 15% off at the Pro Shop.

3. OK, I understand - even though I don't agree with it - when you're at a Red Sox game and fans start to cheer "Yankees Suck" but why oh why would you start that chant at a HOCKEY game? A couple rows behind me sat some pretty drunk people and they literally were driving me insane throughout the game. At one point, they were yelling at everyone in our section to stand up and cheer and that they were the "passion of the game." I couldn't take it anymore and turned around and said "No, you're the drunk idiots of the game." Did I mention they were drunk?

4. I only had to scream "down in front" once ... nothing is more irratating than when people stand up and move around when the puck is in play; wait for a whistle - it's called hockey etiquette. I mean the Bruins were on the penalty kill and there were like 6 or 7 people just standing around asking each other what they wanted to drink - honestly, you couldn't sit down and discuss that?

5. Got some free stuff tonight; besides the ticket itself (That's what happens when George losses a bet to me) - a couple of t-shirts; some schedules and my personal fave the 2006-2007 Media Guide (thanks to George).

6. George and I were discussing the blog and he gave me the idea to do an "All-Suck" team 10 games into the season - a spin of the All-Star teams - so stay tuned that's coming soon.

7. By the way, I'm still not convinced of Toivonen in net; I just finished watching NESN Sportsdesk and Dale and Brick were saying he played outstanding tonight and no offense; he played pretty good but not outstanding. I think he could have stopped at least one of the goals - JMO.

8. Loved the way Chara came to Hannu defense when his helmet was knocked off in the first. Phaneuf was looking for a dance partner all night - he seemed, at times, to have a few takers, but the refs broke them up before it even got started.

OK enough of my rants... Did you watch the game? Are you going to tune in Saturday night when the Sabres come to town or will you be watching Game 1 of the World Series?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Various reports out Wednesday said that Boston Celtics guard Sebastian Telfair had left the preseason game at Madison Square Garden to view a police lineup after he had a $50,000 chain stolen from his neck outside a New York City nightclub on Monday night.

The “club" was also believed to be the same place where rapper Fabolous (yes that is how he spells it) was shot in the leg later on that night.

Sebastian Telfair put the bed the speculation about the events of Monday night.

The Celtics flew to New York on Monday afternoon in preparation for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks.

Telfair was at Justin’s restaurant, not a club, having dinner with his fiancee around 10 p.m. when he went outside alone to move his car and had his chain stolen from him.

He did not confirm or deny the value of the chain.

The Coney Island, New York, native said he was back in his hotel room before the later incident involving Fabolous took place.

The Celtics released this statement on Wednesday regarding the incident: “Sebastian Telfair has told us that he was the victim of a robbery outside Justin's on Monday evening and left the establishment immediately thereafter. He further told us he has no knowledge of any incidents that occurred after his departure. He provided what information he has to the New York Police Department. The police have indicated that Sebastian fully cooperated with all requests regarding the investigation.

Prior to the Celtics-Nets game last night, executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that the team only became aware of the robbery on Tuesday and agreed that it was best to have Telfair go talk to police during Tuesday’s game instead of taking time out of the regular season.

The Celtics said that initially they wanted to protect Telfair and keep the situation from being a distraction to the team, so they originally attributed his absence in the second half to his being sick.

Asked whether he may consider using security or a body guard, Telfair said it may be a possibility.

“There’s nothing positive to take out of the situation, Telfair said. “I’m just happy to here right now, happy that I can move forward from this and continue playing basketball."

Odds and ends

The Celtics decided to rest Wally Szczerbiak last night, but Paul Pierce did play 30 minutes and scored 18 points. … Delonte West (toe), Theo Ratliff (back), and Brian Scalabrine (left shoulder) were unavailable in last night’s preseason game. … Among those who made the best of their playing time were Tony Allen and rookie Leon Powe. Allen had 11 points, three steals, and five rebounds in 19 minutes. Powe added 11 points and 15 rebounds. … Doc Rivers said the team expects to make their first cuts of the preseason on Friday.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

According to BostonBruins.com, Hannu Toivonen is going to get the start in net tomorrow night, this does not make me very happy...
Just look at the picture above and the easy goal he let in playing the Isles - again I have always said he goes down way to early and gives up the soft goals - He tries too hard to look good instead of making saves...

I had heard a rumor that Lewis was thinking about scrathing Toivonen for the opener and calling up Brian Finley ... who by the way has a 2-1 record, 2.67 GAA and .918 Sv% - better than both Toivonen and Tim Thomas - but there is a reason I write about hockey instead of coach it.

Ugh, I am not sure if I feel Lewis is putting the best team and lines on the ice for the home opener, team and fans - again JMHO

Who do you think deserved the start in net? Do you agree with me about Toivonen being too flashy?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The new issue of Sports Illustrated just arrived in my mailbox, and it appears a pair of local favorites aren’t getting much respect on a national level.

In a poll of NFL players, the Patriots Rodney Harrison was voted the league’s dirtiest player. Later in the magazine, the NBA Preview section picked the Celtics to finish 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

Now, I don’t take too much offense to our Rodney getting no respect. Before coming to the Pats, I always thought of Harrison as a dirty player. Perhaps my opinion has changed after seeing him play week in-week out and speaking to him, but I can understand why opposing players think so.

The C’s finishing 14th, however? PUH-lease! They’re a borderline playoff team at worst (I think they get in at 7 or 8), but even if you don’t agree, how on earth can SI pick the Isiah Thomas-led Knicks to finish ahead of them? If that happens, I’m going to pick the coldest day of the year, and walk through downtown Lowell in nothing but my boxer shorts, holding a sign that says “I know absolutely nothing about basketball!�

How’s that for a scary thought!

What do you think of this week’s SI? Is Harrison the dirtiest player in the league? Did you hate him when he didn’t play for the Pats? And what about the Celtics? Where do you see them finishing? Please tell me not behind the Knicks!!!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Well, it's Wednesday and tomorrow night is the home opener for the Bruins and this hockey fan is very excited.

I went over my parents house for dinner the other night, it was great, Mom is such a good cook- let me rephrase that - she is OUTSTANDING; Dad and I were chatting about sports and the topic of the Bruins came up.

Dad said that although he is not completely convinced the owners are committed to bringing a Stanley Cup back to Boston, he is still not counting out this team just yet...

You know what, he's right. (Well, if you know my Dad you can say, well that he's always right.)
But anyway, some of the things Dad and I were discussing were:

The Bruins have not only started the season with a 5 game road trip, but they also played at many of their opponents home openers - which can cause delays in the start of the game and also cause the home team and their fans to be even more pumped for the game than usual - hence why I am getting PUMPED for tomorrow night's tilt! Not too mention I can't wait to see the new Jumbotron the TD Banknorth Garden has installed.

Oh and another comment by the wise one, AKA my dad, it is only five games into a very long season...

I did however tell my dad, the same thing I have been saying since day one ... I am still not convinced or satisfied with the tandem in net.

Hannu Toivonen and Tim Thomas have let up a combined 20 goals already - That is so not good, but then again it would be nice if the forwards and/or D-man could score a few goals ...the whole team combines for 10, yup that's it...

According to BostonBruins.com - Dave Lewis, AKA Charlie Chaplin, has mixed up the lines in the last practice - Axelsson-Savard-Boyes; Kessel-Bergy-Murray; Donovan-Primeau-Sturm (-Brookbank); Hoggan-Mowers-Stastny

OK, not sure I like Sturm on the checking line and Axy on the first line - I mean I know Lewis wants to shake things up, but and that is a big BUT - as much as I love Axy - he is a better defender than Sturm and the checking line has 3 goals and 1 assist thus far; while the top line of Boyes-Bergy-Kessel has 3 goals and 3 assists; and the second line of Murray-Savard-Sturm also has 3 goals and 3 assists - I don't think the lines are the problem...

Moving on to some random hockey notes and rants....

Did anyone catch the 9-1 beating Philly took at the hands of the Sabres? I have to admit - I know it's still early, but Buffalo looks better than they did last year and their alternate jerseys are much, much, much less hideous than their current ones....what do you think??

By the way, anyone else notice that Andrew Raycroft is playing they way he did his rookie year in a Leafs uniform?
Rayzor is off to a solid start, with a 3-1-1 record and 1.94 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.
I said all along that the Bs gave up on him way too early and put too much stock in Toivonen; who by the way has not earned the #1 job in Boston yet and has posted a 1-2 record in 4 games played, 3.44 GAA and .892 Sv% .... oh and by the way - Rayzor has given up 10 goals in 5 games, including a shutout and good old Hannu has let up 11 -hmmm Dale Arnold this question is for you.... "Do you still think Toivonen is MUCH better goalie than Raycroft?"

OK, so thanks to MaLockFan - I now have the best picture of Hal "No Skills" Gill ever... I almost want to post that picture everywhere! It's a classic, it really is...

So, anyone going to the game or going to watch it on NESN? I might DVR it just so I can hear how Dale calls the game, thank god the team is home for 6 games - that means no Jack Edwards. Even my dad said he is a horrible play-by-play guy. But unfortunately we still have to endure Rob Simpson - ughghg....

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The biggest eyesore in an otherwise beautiful stadium is in line for a major facelift.

The New England Patriots will be replacing the lousy field at Gillette Stadium with a new synthetic surface similar to what was recently installed at Lowell’s Cawley Stadium. The new turf, called FieldTurf, can’t be installed this season, per NFL rules. As a stopgap measure, the Pats will resurface the middle of the field with new sod once shooting for the movie “Game Plan,� which stars The Rock, ends filming. It will be in place for New England’s next home contest, November 11th against the Colts. (Correction: Colts game is November 5th...Thanks ALP)

The existing field at The Razor has been among the worst in the entire NFL, drawing heavy criticism from visiting teams. Even Bill Belichick himself commented on the poor conditions after the last home game against Miami. You’ll also recall a major re-sodding being ordered by the league before the Patriots-Titans AFC Divisional Playoff in 2004.

Up until expressing recent disappointment at the surface, it’s been widely believed Belichick and the Patriots enjoyed, perhaps even helped create, the sloppy conditions to help slow down high-flying offenses visiting Foxboro. The Pats have been a “grind it out� type of team in the BB era.

Is anyone out there worried a new field will take away any competitive advantage the Patriots might have enjoyed? Are you at least glad Gillette Stadium will look much “prettier� now?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

With preseason game number four coming up in New York Tuesday night, the Celtics announced on Monday that several players would not be making the trip due to injury.

Theo Ratliff has been hampered by a lower back strain, Delonte West had an ingrown toenail removed and is recovering from an infection, and Brian Scalabrine has a strained left shoulder. Paul Pierce, who was listed as day-to-day after a hip strain on Friday night, did participate in Celtics practice on Monday.

Tony Allen was missing from practice on Monday, instead attending court proceedings in Chicago. The case dates back to an incident last off-season in which he and acquaintances of his were allegedly involved in a fight.

The Celtics are in New York on Tuesday night and make their first preseason appearance of the season in the TD Banknorth Garden on Wednesday.

Celtics head coach Doc River presented former Celtics player, coach, and current broadcaster Tommy Heinsohn with a game ball commemorating the scoring of his 10,000th point back on Bob Cousy Night in 1963.

A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and a former NBA Rookie of the Year in 1957, Heinsohn was part of eight NBA titles as a player and coached the Celtics to two more NBA titles in 1974 and 1976. He earned Coach of the Year honors in 1973.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

It’s the greatest upset in the history of college football; Florida International University-18, University of Miami-13.

Final score of Saturday night’s game? Nah! We’re talking total number of players suspended as a result of the on-field melee that broke out between the teams.

After roughly 25-years of unmatched dominance, someone finally “out-thugged� the Hurricanes. Taking a page out of Elton John’s playbook (Saturday Night’s Allright for Fighting), the Golden Panthers not only proved there’s no “I� in team, there apparently isn’t one in the attitude of FIU football, either.

If you haven’t seen the video, hop online to YouTube or ESPN.com to check it out. (After you’ve finished with TheSunBlog of course) In the annals of great sports brawls, this ranks at the top, better than anything a century of Sox-Yankees bad blood ever produced. And to think, this was the first game in what’s supposed to be a friendly rivalry between the South Florida institutions. Wait till next year!

Among the lowlights; Players punching and sucker-punching each other like pro wrestling villains. Miami’s Brandon Meriweather kicking and stomping prone Panthers. Anthony Reddick charging across the field, helmet held high, pounding FIU’s Robert Mitchell with it. Somewhere, William “Braveheart� Wallace is smiling.

However, not only did the underdog take Miami’s best punch, they beat them to it. By most accounts, FIU instigated the brawl with numerous cheap shots throughout the contest and a body-slam of the holder on a point after. The piece de resistance (see what 4-years of French will get you) involved an injured Panther charging the field and flailing away with his crutches. God bless you Tiny Tim!

In its entirety, this was most embarrassing episode to hit Miami since Don Johnson patrolled South Beach in a white leisure suit.

The grown-ups in charge are now tripping over themselves in their rush to hypocrisy. “There is no place in higher education for the type of conduct exhibited� said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters. Funny, since when did higher education have a place in Division 1 college football?

“Saturday’s on-field melee has no place at the University of Miami,� chimed in Donna Shalala, the former Clinton Administration Secretary of Health and Human Services-turned-college president. Are you kidding? On-field melees involving the Hurricanes are so common, they’ve become part of the school curriculum.

Not to absolve the Golden Panthers of blame, but this is the first publicized case of such behavior. Prior to Saturday night, the most famous FIU alumni were actor Andy Garcia, Red Sox 3rd baseman Mike Lowell, and Westford’s own golfing legend Pat Bradley. So when football coach Don Strock (yes, that Don Strock) says “I can promise you that this will never happen again,� you’re tempted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

On the other hand, if I’m Shalala, I’m seriously thinking about abolishing the football program for a few years.  Forget the long history of goonery, criminal acts and arrests. This is the third on-field incident involving the Hurricanes in their last seven games. One of them was a pre-game brawl with LSU at the Peach Bowl.

“I do have a grip on this program. Don’t ever doubt that,� insists Canes Coach Larry Coker.

Sorry coach. But from this vantage point, it looks like the only grip you have is in your denture cream.

What are your thoughts on the Miami-FIU brawl? Was that the wildest fight you've seen on an athletic field? If not, which one tops it? What penalties would you impose if you were a University President or Conference Commissioner?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Celtics held an open practice this afternoon at UMass Boston’s Clark Athletic Center with season ticket holders in attendance. The players did also sign autographs and pose for pictures after practice.

Neither Paul Pierce nor Delonte West actively participated in any drills, Pierce spent a good portion of the practice seated next to executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

The Celtics dropped to 1-2 this preseason with a loss to Cleveland on Friday night in the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, N.H. Right now the Celtics really are at a point where the wins and losses aren’t the worry as much as how they play the game.

“If you’re shooting 38 percent and your still in the game that means your defense was not as bad as you thought it was, but your offense was horrible� Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said on Saturday. “A lot of it came from execution.�

While the fast-paced style is going to lend itself to turnovers, probably as many as 17 or 18 a game, Rivers believes they can live in that range. The trick will be for the team to balance the fast tempo with solid execution.

Along those lines, Rivers stressed execution in Saturday’s practice as well as implementing a drill period with a 12 second shot clock for the first time this preseason (yes, that’s half of the usual 24 seconds). Rivers also said that on Sunday he plans to go over a video tape of Friday night’s game with the players, focusing specifically on more than 20 open shots that weren’t taken in favor of passes.

Their general rule on offense is getting a shot within the first seven seconds or within the last five seconds, according to Rivers.

Rivers also confirmed that the plan right now for Delonte West is most likely to get playing time at the shooting guard spot. Sebastian Telfair and rookie Rajon Rondo have shown enough to limit the minutes West will see at the point guard position.

Be sure to watch for more Celtics coverage in The Sun this week as well as here on the blog.

Click on the comments link below to give your take on the Celtics preseason so far. What have you liked? What haven’t you liked? What/who are you excited about? Anyone you think shouldn’t be on the opening night roster?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Round up the women and children. Head for the bomb shelters ASAP. An earth-changing cataclysmic event is sure to hit any minute now. I know this for a fact.

How can I be so sure, you ask? Is it because the North Koreans are testing nukes? Is it because global warming is causing disaster-movie like storms? Is it because terrorists are targeting our big cities?

Hell no! The world will never be the same because The Victim is absolutely killing Vegas.

At this point, I don’t know what to tell you. Logic dictates you continue to follow the system, figuring the law of averages will catch up and our pigskin prognosticator will revert to his legendary losing ways any day now. But what if we’re in the midst of one of those once in a lifetime flukes, kind of like Democrats winning national elections? Could this be the year The Victim exacts revenge for all those days of ridicule he’s had to endure?

That, you’ll have to decide for yourself. All I can do is provide the picks:

Dallas (-13) over Houston
NY Giants (+3) over Atlanta
NY Jets (-2 ½) over Miami
Oakland (+15) over Denver
Arizona (+10 ½) over Chicago

Last week’s record: 3-1
Season record: 14-9

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Went out to the Tsongas yesterday afternoon and watched the Lowell Devils practice. Have I mentioned how much I love hockey?

Anyway, sitting in an empty arena with just a few other on-lookers waiting for the Devils to take the ice was - well, just wonderful.

Slowly, the guys started to take the ice, leaving their extra sticks on the bench.

The team did some drills, conditioning skating, more drills, more skating and then a scrimmage.

Coach Kurt Kleinendorst had this to say after practice:
"We try to touch on everything. It's still early days. We've got a lot in place but you still have to continue to define what you're doing, get a little bit better everyday you can."

The practice today seemed to focus on getting the puck through the neutral zone.
"Everyday we try to accomplish something. Every single drill that we do, we do for a specific purpose and shots early are for the goaltenders and then usually there's some sort of skill involved. There was a lot of neutral zone transition play," Kleinendorst said. "This was a day we wanted to work with our defenseman on moving the puck up through the neutral zone. We wanted to work with our forwards with regard to coming back through the neutral zone on the defensive side of the puck."

Kleinendorst said work ethic has not been an issue for his squad.
"Pracitce has not been an issue, which is a good thng. I think it's an indication as to the character of the guys we have and I have no issues what so ever with our practices and the way the guys show up everyday," Kleinendorst said. "We've had a lot to put in place. Some practices have run long, we've done some video sessions. We've done a lot and the guys just keep carrying on."

After discussing practice, Kleinendorst commented on the loss the Devils suffered on opening night last weekend.
"That was disappointing, but you know what it's really more about the way we played and the effort we put in." Kleinendorst said. "I don't think it was a game we deserved to lose. We just didn't win it. So what you do is you draw on the positives you let them know it's one game in 80 and if we continue to play just like we did we're going to win the majority of our games. No questions."

Kleinendorst added some notes on the squads special teams.
"Overall I think we were relatively successful. The power play scored two of our three goals," Kleinendorst said. "Our penalty killing only allowed one on the 3-on-5 opportunity. So, there were a lot of positives on both sides of the puck when it came to special teams."

Before talking with Kleinendorst, I took the opportunity to chat with veteran defensman Dan McGillis about being a leader on the team.

"There was a lot of veterans that helped me out along the way. I think it's a snowball rolling down a hill kind of deal," McGillis said. "It just kind of passes on where if you can help out along the way - hockey on the ice and off the ice. I think (veterans) should do it. I think all the older guys feel the same. We have a great bunch of young kids and anything you can do to make them feel more comfortable in the enviornment you just do it."

McGillis played his college hockey as a Northeastern Husky and hopes to take in some Hockey East games this season.
"It was fun when I came back to Boston and played for the Bruins. I was able to go to the Beanpot again," McGillis said. "I think I'll have a chance, hopefully, this year if the schedule works out; I'll get a chance to go in (to Boston) and follow some games."

McGillis agreed with his coach about the Devils first game of the season.
"I thought we had a very good game our first game, unfortunately we didn't come out on top of it," McGillis said. "But, there's a lot of games and I think we have to stay confident in what we did well in that game and take it into the next game.
"As for myself and everyone else, we just have to do the job we're supposed to do and keep it simple, I think everything will work out."

Boston College alum Stephen Gionta also took the time to chat with me for a few minutes, starting with the games coming up this weekend and the first game.
"I think we have to come out with the same effort that we had against Albany. I thought we came out with a great effort and maybe we deserved to win that game with the effort we put in, but that's hockey," Gionta said. "Bad bounces and bad breaks, we just got to come out this weekend and put that same effort and the outcome will be different."

Gionta also discussed what it's like being in an organization like the Devils.
"It's a great opportunity," Gionta said. "Going into camp you learn from the (Patrik) Elias, (Scott) Gomez, watching (Martin) Broduer in net. You see the effort they put in everyday and it's just great to see those guys playing and learning from them by watching them and being on the ice with them."

Gionta was able to go to the Eagles home opener against the Huskies and his former team beat NU 5-2 Tuesday night at Conte Forum and is excited to be close playing in Lowell.
"We were fortunate to have our whole senior class from last year back at the game, you know Peter Harrold and Chris Collins went back as well and it was great seeing those guys," Gionta said. "And getting a chance to watch the guys we played with last year and hopefully, through out the year I'll get the chance to go watch them play and also go to the Beanpot. That would be nice to get back for that."

The Devils take on the Hartford Wolf Pack (NY Rangers affiliate) Saturday night at the Tsongas- puck drops at 7:05.

Kleinendorst said Frank Doyle would probably make the start in net for the Devils.
"Frankie is probably going to be the guy on Saturday and we'll just wait and see, make a decision after that,": Kleinendorst said. "We've got good goal tenders here. We also have Jordan Parise and Greg Naumenko. It's a long year and I know Frankie's going to want to get his games in, but at the same time we've got other goaltenders that are going to have to play at some point. So, I'm comfortable with whoever we put in there."

Photos used in this blog are courtesy of Jon Mattarocchia, who was at the practice with me.

So, are you guys going to take in some Devils games this season? Which player or players do you think can become the fan favorite of this team?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Any lingering questions as to which positions Bill Belichick values on a football team?

Yesterday’s 5-year contract extension for center Dan Koppen means the Patriots top seven offensive lineman (Koppen, Light, Neal, Mankins, Kaczur, O’Callahan, Hochstein) are now signed through at least 2008. In fact, everyone except Russ Hochstein, perhaps the least valuable of the bunch, is signed through ’09.

Even more telling is that the Pats got this deal done early (before Koppen hit the open market) and paid fair market price for the former Boston College standout. Belichick isn’t as proactive in getting his wide receivers and other positions signed ahead of time, but he sure does value his offensive and defensive linemen.

With an already solid O-Line remaining intact for at least a couple of years, the future looks bright for Tom Brady and Laurence Maroney. Heck, it looks downright rosy for the entire team, when you throw in the young talent on both sides of the ball and the extra first round pick acquired in the Deion Branch trade.

Whether that’s enough to win the Super Bowl this year is still up for debate. In my mind, the answer to that is still no. But the future’s so bright, we’ll have to wear shades.

What about you? You think the Pats can win it all this year? How about in the near future? Does the situation on both lines (offense and defense) make this team a contender year in-year out?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

No, it probably won't shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics did make a trade today.

As they prepare for tonight's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, the two teams made a swap this morning. The Celtics acquired former first round pick Luke Jackson (pictured) from the Cavaliers in exchange for center Dwayne Jones and cash considerations.

Jackson, a 6-foot-7 215-pound forward, was the 10th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by Cleveland out of the University of Oregon. He played 36 games for the Cavaliers last season averaging 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per game. Jackson missed 32 games last season with a broken left wrist. This will be Jackson’s third season in the NBA.

Jones was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves last season in the trade that brought Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Olowokandi to Boston. Jones is entering his second season after leaving college early to sign with the Timberwolves as an undrafted free agent. Jones appeared in 14 games last season for the Celtics averaging 1.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game. He also spent some time last season playing in the NBA Developmental League (NBDL).

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This blurb actually came from Wednesday’s press conference. I find it interesting because it gives you an idea of exactly what Troy Brown must go through to play offense, defense and special teams. If you didn’t think he was a special player beforehand, this should do the trick:

Q: How is Troy Brown’s preparation different from other players?

 BB: He basically spends one day on offense and then one day on defense and then on Friday he kind of splits time between the two of them.  Of course he still has his responsibilities on special teams too.  Most guys when they’re out on the field, let’s say they’re an offensive player, when the offense is out there, they’re in on everything. Then, when the defense is out there, then they go and either do a little running on their own or do stretching or maybe they’ll work on the timing of some particular play or something.  Whereas with Troy he goes from offense then to defense and then back to offense and back to defense.  It’s sort of like being a head coach really because every period that is out there, I feel like I’m right in the middle of.  If you’re an offensive or defensive coach, when you’re group is up, you’re right in the middle of it.  When it’s the other team’s turn, you’re kind of servicing them.  Troy is pretty much in there on every play and needs to hear every call and needs to be a part of everything and then he splits time with the coaches during the week to try to make sure that he is prepared for everything.  The good thing about Troy is he knows our offense, maybe other than Tom [Brady], probably better than anybody.  He’s knows it and he’s been here all the way back since 2000 when Charlie [Weis] came and I came in here.  He’s knows it cold.  So things that we put in week-to-week there’s a couple of minor tweaks and adjustments here and there, but it’s not like Troy has too many, ‘Well, what do I do on that play,’ type of questions.  He knows it and he is football smart.  He understands concepts, so when you do make a little change, he understands why you’re making it and what you’re trying to get done and he fixes it up pretty quickly.  He’s picked up defense remarkably fast, even the last two years where he really hasn’t spent much time on defense in training camp when we moved him during the regular season.  It didn’t take him long really to get back where he was back in the ’04 season when we first made the move.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I hate to do it. Getting excited about a couple of exhibition game performances for a backup (or is it 3rd string?) point guard isn’t what a “seasoned� hoops follower is supposed to do.

You know what though? SCREW IT!!!

I’m psyched about Rajon Rondo! Danny Ainge was right about him. This kid looks like the real deal. He’s incredibly athletic, but unlike Marcus Banks, he knows how to play the game. His point guard instincts are solid and only promise to get better. He’s already the best defensive player on the team. He can get to the lane anytime he wants, even out of a double-team off the pick and roll. And he thinks pass first. What else could you ask for out of your point guard?

Perhaps this is just the dreamer in me, but I think Ainge struck gold here, not just with Rondo, but with Sebastian Telfair as well. The Celts are going to be a completely different team this year because they finally have at least two point guards who know what the position entails. The wins may not be there right away. They will come, however.

What do you think of the Celtics point guard situation thus far? Am I getting ahead of myself here? What about the rest of the squad? Have Perkins and Jefferson shown you anything to get excited about?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle died in the plane that crashed into a New York City apartment building this afternoon.

Authorities confirmed the aircraft was registered to the 34-year old pitcher and that he indeed was piloting the plane. Lidle got his pilot’s license about 7-months ago. He leaves behind his wife of 9 years, Melanie, and a 6-year old son Christopher.

Three other people are confirmed dead in the incident. Details of how the accident occurred are not yet known. Eyewitness accounts vary. (Update: There are now only two confirmed deaths...Lidle and his flight instructor)

The incident marks the second time a Yankees player died in a small plane crash. Catcher Thurman Munson perished when the aircraft he was piloting crashed while he was practicing takeoffs and landings at an Akron, Ohio airport in August of 1979.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The most interesting aspect of today’s press gathering with Bill Belichick involved the Patriots coach taking off his sweat jacket to reveal a Tony LaRussa uniform. Seems the two have forged a relationship and mutual admiration society. Here’s the exchange:

Q: What is your background with Tony LaRussa?

BB: I’m a Tony La Russia fan.  I was in training camp with him this year for a couple of days.  It was a lot of fun.  It was a great experience.  I learned a lot.  I don’t know anything about baseball, but just in terms of…Tony is a great leader and manager and tactician and just the way he handles the team, sitting in the dugout with him down there and watching him manage the game and all.  It was pretty enlightening.

Q: Was it when [Bill] Parcells was down there as well?

BB: Yes, I was down there two days.  The second day Bill was there.  Ron Wolf.  Dick Vermeil.  We had a coaches convention.

Q: How did you hook up with him? What was the connection there?

BB: We have a couple of mutual friends.  He's been a great supporter.  He’s been a good friend and a good guy to know.  I really enjoyed being with him.  I enjoyed getting his perspective on just being a coach, handling a team, playing in a lot of big games, making decisions, all of those kinds of things.  I’m a LaRussa fan like I’m a [Terry] Francona fan, Billy Donovan, Pat Riley, just good people. 

Q: Is there something about connecting with other coaches from other sports because it’s such a rare thing?

BB: I think especially when you feel like you have a lot in common with [someone].  Tony is just totally consumed by baseball.  That’s his thing.  He's into baseball like I'm into football, like Billy Donovan and Pat Riley are into basketball.  It’s different, but there are some common threads there and it’s interesting.

Q: What kinds of things have you taken from them over the years?

BB: Not that many specific things, because it’s different sports, but in general, time management and handling players, handling coaches, talking to the media, making decisions - whether it be game decisions or decisions for your franchise or your team and that type of thing.  I thought Tony’s book really was fascinating that Buzz Bissinger wrote, “Three Nights in August.â€?  I thought that was very enlightening in a lot of the strategy, not only game strategy, but also just the whole minor league system and developing players, the whole spectrum that a manager has in baseball. Dealing with an older player who is in his mid to late 30s versus a guy who is just coming up from the minors and is an AAA guy who is 18, 19 and all the guys in between.  From the utility infielder to [Albert] Pujols.  It’s a wide range of associations and personalities that you deal with in that sport.  It’s no different than any other professional sport really.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A fear of the sea didn’t stop this fearless blogger from setting sail over Columbus Day weekend in search of a brave new sports world. Here’s what I discovered while dodging the leaf peepers:

Old World belief: Pitching wins. New World discovery: Clutch hitting wins.

The Dodgers batted .291 while getting swept by the Mets, but managed only a 2-for-19 (.105) with Runners in Scoring Position. The Padres RISP checked in at a whopping 2-for-32 (.063) and the Twins 1-for-19 (.053). In their three losses, the Yankees “lineup of the century� struggled to a 2-for-21 (.095).

If the fact the 2005 Houston Astros staff consisting of Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte got swept in the World Series didn’t drive the point home, the above numbers certainly should.

Speaking of the Yankees, I know the Red Sox have a ton of problems and are facing a tumultuous off-season, but that’s child’s play compared to what awaits the Evil Empire. Georgie Porgie’s Lieutenants are in for more screaming than “House of Carters� viewers. Only in this case, the squabbling won’t be staged.

Old World belief: Drew Bledsoe is the future of the New England Patriots. New World discovery: I can’t believe how terrible a quarterback he’s become.

How bad was Bledsoe against the Eagles? So bad, he managed to become the story on the day of  T.O.’s return to the “Iladelph.â€? Pat, pat, pat…sack. Pat, pat, pat…fumble. Pat, pat, pat…â€?THROW THE DAMN BALL ALREADY!!!!â€? 

The Brady-Bledsoe debate ended in a TKO many moons ago. Who’d have thunk a new generation of Bledsoe bashers would be clamoring for Tony Romo?

Old World belief: NASCAR racing isn’t a sport. New World discovery: NASCAR racing is a joke.

Put down the shotgun and hear me out for a minute. The geniuses who run the circuit devise “The Chase for the Cup,� a playoff system where the top-10 drivers qualify for a chance at the title over a ten race period. However, they allow the rest of the “left-turners� to also compete in those ten races.

So here’s what happened Sunday; Brian Vickers, who isn’t in “The Chase,� wins his first ever NASCAR event after bumping Jimmie Johnson into race leader Dale Earnhardt, Junior and sending both cars spinning. Earnhardt finished 23rd, Johnson 24th, severely hampering both of their chances at the title.

I’m searching real hard for an analogy here, folks. About the best I can come up with is watching a Mets-Cardinals game in the National League Championship, only to have players from the Pirates, Marlins, Reds and Diamondbacks running around on the bases while the game is in progress.

Old World belief: The Lowell Lock Monsters will never flourish in the Mill City. New World discovery: Neither will the Lowell Devils.

Opening night attendance was only 4,257, or roughly 2/3 of Tsongas Arena. From what I hear, even many of those were disguised as empty seats. Is this the best we can do after a well-publicized ticket drive and community effort? If so, stick a fork, or should I say a trident, in the Devils. They’re done!

Perhaps new ownership should announce they’re going to build a Lowe’s or a Home Depot on the site. That’s sure to get hundreds of fired up Lowell and Billerica residents to show up.

What are your thoughts on these “discoveries?â€? Have I sailed off the flat end of the earth?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

In a matter of three weeks the Celtics will make roster decisions that will shape the 2006-07 season. Step one begins tomorrow night in a preseason meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio.

“I think for a while you’re looking at individual stuff, you know with players,� Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said on Sunday. “Just continuity-wise, what we can get away with without putting more in. You know for us on the offensive end we really have put in -- I think we have three plays in -- so how little we can put in and still play in an NBA game will be something I’ll be paying a lot of attention to. Then just chemistry-wise as far as how certain guys fit with other guys. We’re going to mix a lot of lineups probably the first three or four games.�

The Celtics were 3-5 last preseason and 2-6 in the 2004 preseason slate. The training camp roster currently lists 18 players, but by the evening of October 30 that number must be cut to 12 active players (that does not include any players designated on the injured list).

West ready for Cleveland
Third-year guard Delonte West participated about half of practice on Saturday and in almost all of practice Sunday after sitting out a large part of the week with a lower back injury.

“I played in every drill,� West said. “I just didn’t play the whole time limit in the drill. If the drill was 10 minutes, I might have played seven minutes of the drill. Our trainer Ed Lacerte and Dr. (Brian) McKeon definitely made a good plan for me.�

The plan coming into camp was that each day he would be allowed to do more, slowly participating in more segments of practice and for longer periods of time until by week’s end he’d be up to full practices, according to West.

During the week he did have to be chased out drills from time to time, just to make sure he didn’t go past the limit set for him on that particular day. Now, the main focus is getting back in tune with game speed.

He did appear to be aggressive on the offensive end in the end of practice scrimmage on Sunday, attacking the lane.

“The last two days I’ve really been just getting into the flow of the game,� he said. “Guys have been here for preseason since the beginning of September. I wouldn’t be surprised if I see limited minutes (against Cleveland), but I know that’s just for the team’s best interest and for my best interests also.�

The adjustments now will consist of ramping back up to game speed and working on his conditioning. As far as the playbook and learning about new teammates, West said even with his limited practice time he has been able to keep from missing a beat.

Satch’s suggestions
Practice ended with a visit from a Celtics legend from an earlier era, Tom “Satch" Sanders. Sanders who played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Celtics, was part of eight NBA championship teams. He was an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in 1968-69 and ranks seventh on the Celtics’ all-time list in rebounds with 5,798. His number 16 jersey was retired in 1973.

“He’s one of my favorite speakers and he does a great job, talking about team,� River said. “And he was the ultimate role player so he’s perfect.�

Sanders also talked to the players about their past actions shaping who they are today and each man’s actions now determining the man he will be 10 years from now.

Other speakers who addressed the team during the first week of practice included National Football League Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and former Celtic Togo Palazzi.

Click on the comments link below to give your opinion on this year's Celtics squad.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Let's start with Friday's game vs the Panthers

DISGUSTING, DISGRACEFUL, DISPICABLE, DREADFUL, AWFUL, REVOLTING, HORRIBLE, GHASTLY, REPULSIVE, NAUSEATING .....

Did I get them all??? Seriously, that was just well look above. They had a complete collapse in the 3rd period - left Tim Thomas out to dry by committing 8 infractions - 6 of which resulted in Panther power plays and they capitalized on 4 of them - not a good start!!!!!

Thomas was pulled in favor of Hannu Toivonen in the 3rd after he gave up 3 goals in the period - two within two minutes of each other....

Not too mention Brad Boyes - looked nonexistant in the game. I usually say "Brad Boyes, Brad Boyes, whatcha gonna do? whatcha gonna do when he scores on you?" (now, I can't take credit for that I think I heard it on the EEI Whiner Line)
But Friday he looked like he was still in pee-wee hockey.

Ugh, ok enought about that awful display of hockey, let us move on to something more pleasant... Saturday's game in Tampa Bay.

The Bs took the lead on a Wayne Primeau goal (his second in as many games - and he had a total of 11 goals last season, which was a career season- high; think he could be on a run to break that?)

Hey and guess what? Give up? Yup you guessed it .... "Brad Boyes, Brad Boyes whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when he scores on you?" Boyes had the benefit of redirecting a Zdeno Chara shot ... Bs up 2-0. Now that was a much better start than the previous game when they were down 2-0 in the first. And they killed off all three power plays they gave the Lightning.

Fast forward to period #2 - I thought for a second the Bs of Friday's tilt was going to show up when TB scored just over 2 minutes in the period, then they tied it up with less than 8 minutes left in the period....

Don't know what was said in the locker room, but it obviously worked ...Bergy took a beautiful feed from Boyes to give the Bs the 3-2 lead just 1:39 into the final period.

Oh and did I mention captain Chara has 4 assists already?

The Bs committed another 6 infractions in the game, but successfully killed them all off - MUCH BETTER...

Toivonen made 29 saves in the game.
Don't get me wrong I am not bowing down to this team, I still think they need goaltending. I am not convinced that Toivonen is the real deal after one game.

Random notes:
Funny, my friend George and I were chatting the whole game on the AIM, well more than chatting we were critiquing the Bs, and one thing we both agree on is that Toivonen's pads are U-G-L-Y.... We know they're supposed to be retro, but EWWWWW.

George also referred to Dave Lewis as Charlie Chaplin - anyone else see that?

We both think Jack Edwards is horrible - anyone catch him calling the penalty box the "Penalty Bench?" Stupid, just plain stupid... We both agree we miss Gordie on the home games with Dale, not that Brick is bad, and wish there wasn't a delay on the radio 'cause we'd be listening to Dave Goucher and Bob Beers instead of Jack Edwards... George said something along the lines that his grandfather with alzheimer's could call the game better than Edwards.

During the first intermission, George and I were chatting about the in-studio analysis and he mentioned Rick "nifty" Middleton's bad hair plugs and I mentioned that Nifty reminds me of the Cowardly Lion....What do you think?

Oh and can someone, really anyone, please explaing to me why NESN can't hire people that can pronounce the players' names properly??? George didn't believe me when I told him Rob Simpson kept pronouncing Chara's name wrong and then he heard it for himself ..... Simpson called him "ZENO" I mean come on!!!

Enough of my rant.... what's your thoughts on the Bs opening weekend? Does this team have a prayer of making the playoffs or are you like me and saying it's way to early in the season to make that type of assessment?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

In case any of you doubt that pro athletes, no matter how many millions they make, are really little boys at heart, here is the transcript of Tom Brady discussing his "Animal House-like" hijinks with backup QB Matt Cassel:

Q.   Hey, Tom, I have to ask you about Matt Cassel, your sidekick.

TB: Yes.

Q.   Because what went on this week between the two of you guys?  What happened?

TB: Yes.  Matt and I fight like teenage girls.

Q.   You do?

TB: Yes, we do.

Q.   What happened?

TB: We are always slapping each other around and wrestling and slap boxing and [messing] around with each other in the weight room.  And so I decided to take that to the next level.  And we were messing around in the quarterback room one day and he walked in with a milkshake, and I kind of put my foot by the door, and I kicked the door and the milkshake splashed up and went all over him.  So he sat down, and I was laughing.  So I said give me the towel, because I wanted to clean up the wall.  So I threw the towel at his face, and it had shake all over it.  He had a little shake in his mouth and he spit it all over me.

Q. So Cassel spit on you?

TB: Yes.  So we had all this shake all over us.  I smelled terrible.  So I just laughed.  I said I don't get mad, I get even.  So the next day, I had one of my friends remove all the tires from his car and leave them right at his locker as he walked in off the practice field.  So it was pretty good.  He had to walk home that day.

Q.   So let me get this straight.  You had his car up on cinderblocks?

TB: Yes.  It was up on cinderblocks, sitting right out in the parking lot.  It was pretty funny.

Q.   What did you do with the tires?

TB: I had three of them, and I made him search for the fourth one.  I didn't tell him where the fourth one was.  But all three of them were stacked up.  So he was getting undressed after practice undoing the tape on his ankles, sitting on his tires.  It was pretty funny.

TB: No.  I think I scared him.  I don't know if you guys have ever seen the movie "Braveheart," but at the end when Mel Gibson is lying there and the king is laying on his death bed and the guy who is torturing him says, you just claim your allegiance to Long Shanks, so I made him call me Long Shanks.  And after that we called a truce.  So he knows that now I am willing to go to any, any depths to make him pay.  So I think Matt Light was involved and I'm still looking for a confirmation on that.  He filled my car, the entire car with Styrofoam peanuts, which he did the following day.  And it was a rainy day, he opened the sunroof, and filled the entire car with it.

Q.   Who did?

TB: Matt Light, and he blamed it on Cassel.  But I know Cassel is way too scared to do anything.  Matt Light is still claiming that he didn't do anything, but I've got confirmation from several different sources.  So I am still waiting to get him back.  But Belichick kind of called a moratorium on pranks at this point.  But it's nice, keeps the team loose.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Dolphins 10
Patriots 20

Teddy’s Take: I told you to get used to these kinds of games.

The Patriots are going to grind it out all year long. The good news is they’re well equipped to handle it against most of the teams on their schedule, especially division foes. How they fare against the elite is another matter, but there will be plenty of tests in the ensuing months. For now, let’s just savor a victory, a 4-1 record, and the division championship. (I’m joking of course, but for all intents and purposes, stick a fork in the AFC East…it’s done!)

Shining Stars: The first star on the forehead goes to Stephen Gostkowski. The two field goals were relative chip shots. But after his early season struggles, it’s good to see the kid rebuilding some confidence. Plus, the field was a mess. Olindo Mare couldn’t cope with it…the rookie did. It’s what Adam would have done. It’s good to see Steve doing it.

Troy Brown gets one, too, probably the 200th of his career. Those of you getting all excited about Doug Gabriel the last couple of weeks can have him. Ditto for you Ben Watson fanatics. Old Man Troy is still the best receiver on this team…by far!

Step right up Asante Samuel and grab your reward. With Ellis Hobbs back on the field, the Dolphins appeared to be picking on Samuel…and he made them pay the price. This kid’s had a knack for being involved in big plays, good and bad, since entering the league. The good Asante showed up Sunday.

Jarvis Green gets one as well. Yes, for his sack against Miami (the lone one of the game for New England), but more so because I forgot to give him one for his two sack performance last week. His mom chewed me out on parent-teacher night. Consider the mistake corrected Mrs. Green!

Finally, Tom Brady gets a star on the forehead. Now, you might wonder why a guy with only 51-yards passing at the half (and only 60 late into the 3rd quarter) gets applauded for his work when he’s supposed to be the star of the team. I’ll tell you why.

Despite facing a defense that always plays him tough, and despite struggling to move the team most of the day, Brady never once made a killer mistake that would have turned the game in Miami’s favor. If you don’t think that’s a big deal, watch highlights of Drew Bledsoe against Philly, or countless other QB’s who throw killer interceptions at the worst possible time. Brady understands he doesn’t have to toss for 300+ yards to be a hero. Keeping your team ahead on the scoreboard is the only stat that counts.

Quality Quote: “It was proposed by the captains on Friday, in the captain’s meetings, and I think Richard (Seymour) brought it up. He said, coach, you know, I know what the schedule looks like. If we win, what do you think? And he (Belichick) said, yes, sure that will work. So Richard was firing everyone up before the game.�—Tom Brady on how the Pats earned an extra day off during the bye week.

What are your thoughts on the Patriots victory over the Dolphins? Disappointed they didn’t put an inferior team away, or about what you expected? Will performances like this get it done when the going gets tough?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The River Hawks men's cross country won the New England Championship on Saturday at Franklin Park behind a fifth place finish from sophomore Boston native Ruben Sanca and a 10th place performance from Metheun’s Steve Plouffe. Rex Radloff of Dedham came in just behind Plouffe for 11th.

The River Hawks became the first-ever Division II or III team to win the title in the race’s history that dates back to 1912.

UMass Lowell’s team score was 76 with Boston College following in second place (145) and Brown University in third (166).

Rounding out the top seven for UMass Lowell were Jason Beausoleil of Dracut (24th overall), Joey DeWitt of Ellsworth, Maine (27th), Josh Vance of Nashua, (165th) and freshman Steve O’Brien of Groton (179th).

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

So this is what my life has come to…or should I say reverted back to.

A beautiful October day…great college football matchups all over the tube…the Patriots a day away from playing the Dolphins…and the one thing I’m most excited about is the Tigers about to put the final nail in the Yankees coffin. Sadder yet…I’m not the only New Englander living this pathetic existence.

I thought 2004 finally cured us. I was wrong. I think it’s made us even more bitter. Instead of enjoying baseball’s playoffs and watching the best teams in the league battle it out, we Sox fans are doing what we used to do so many previous fall afternoons…rooting for anyone who plays the Evil Empire, as if it’s our team out there doing the Yankee-killing.

Don’t get me wrong. I’d like nothing more than for those obnoxious New Yorkers to be shut up once again. But what does that say about us? We’re constantly accused of having an inferiority complex, and when an entire sports talk radio show is spent gloating over the Yanks inevitable demise, when bars and restaurants full of people peek at the screen and pump their fist with every Detroit run, the accusations ring true. You can see the glee in people’s faces, as if we can’t enjoy life until the evil-doers are eliminated.

Yanks fans may enjoy Sox fans suffering, and lord knows they rub it in every chance they get. However, Boston losing in the post-season doesn’t become their sole reason for existence. Perhaps it’s because we’re really not in the playoffs all that often, but I simply don’t recall Yankees rooters cheering on with such fervor as the A’s spanked us around in 1988 and 1990.

It leaves me with no choice but to agree with their assessment…as baseball fans, we are inferior. What’s that? Detroit scored another run to go up 4-0?

GO TIGERS!!!

Am I right? Do we have an inferiority complex in regards to the Yankees? Is it a broader Boston-New York thing? Or do you simply not care, as long as the Yanks lose?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Week 5 of the NFL season shapes up as the best weekend of football watching on television. When the hometown team’s matchup against a division rival is the least intriguing matchup, you know you’re in for some fun.

Pittsburgh-San Diego makes for a great Sunday night matchup, even if we now know that San Diego is not German for whale’s vagina. (Think Ron Burgundy). Monday, brings us the undefeated Ravens traveling to Denver. We New Englanders know how good the Broncos are, so if Baltimore comes out of there with an unblemished record, they gain instant legitimacy as a Super Bowl contender. And we haven’t even touched on what promises to be the wildest matchup of the day…make that the season…as T.O. returns to Philly and the rabid Iggles fans. Hope the Governor of Pennsylvania has the National Guard number on his speed dial.

Off course, if simply viewing the gridiron action isn’t enough to get the juices flowing, perhaps a little added interest in the games will help. With that in mind, here are The Victim’s picks for the weekend:

New England (-9 ½) over Miami
Philadelphia (-2) over Dallas
Pittsburgh (+3) over San Diego
Denver (-4) over Baltimore

Last week’s record: 2-2
Season record: 11-8

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

I know I've been mistaken, But just give me a break and see the changes that I've made, I've got some imperfections, But how can you collect them all and throw them in my face

The quote above from the Staind song is what the owners and management of the club should be saying to their fans.

Would be skeptics of the ownerships, management and the team itself are probably still saying "Why should I put any faith in a team that has let me down so often in the past."
And that may very well be true - BUT I believe in this team this year.

They dramatically upgraded their defense by not only signing Zdeno Chara, but also by NOT resigning Hal "No Skills" Gill - that was just as important as signing Chara and trading for Paul Mara.

Up front - with drafting Phil Kessel and signing Marc Savard the Bs now have two - yes I said two - scoring lines; not too mention a strong checking line of Axy-Primeau-Donovan.

The first real test is tonight when the Bs take to the ice for their first regular game of the season against the Florida Panthers - unfortunately the Bs will be missing one defenseman; Milan Jurcina will not be in the line-up due to a laceration on his elbow. NESN begins their coverage at 7 p.m. with Face Off and the puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

Head Coach, Dave Lewis, was on WEEI yesterday and he told Dale and Holley that he is going with Tim Thomas as his starting net minder in Sunrise instead of Hannu Toivonen.

"I think we have 1a and 1b right now. Nobody has jumped out, Timmy had a little bit better camp and recently his game performance was a little bit better than Hannu. I mean Hannu faced some 5-on-3 and some great power plays that were against him. So, we're going to be starting with Tim tomorrow in net and decide after the game what we're going to do for the next. You know Hannu hasn't played a lot of games and doesn't have a lot of experience, but the only way to get experience is to play hockey games. It's a wait and see."

Lewis said he had some advice for the goalies....

"I tell the goaltenders 'Just give a chance to win. Make the saves you're supposed to make. You don't have to make the unbelievable saves or the save that's impossible, you don't even have to try to make those. It's nice to have them at times; they do happen. But just make the saves you're supposed to save.' If there are rebounds I expect the defeseman to take care and maintain the rebounds."

When Dale asked Lewis about his thoughts in the maturity of the 18-year-old Phil Kessel - it was simple....
"He's a teenager, yet when he puts the jersey on he's a Boston Bruin."

Lewis is experimenting with his top lines: Kessel will be on the wing with Bergy and Boyes; the second line will be Sturm-Savard-Muzz - that gives the Bs two potent scoring threats and of course the very talented checking line I mentioned above.

Just an FYI - if you're not a Bruins fan - please don't call WEEI and make stupid comments such as when some guy named "George" calling from the "van phone" said Primeau deserved a look at being captain of the Bs; "because he went toe-to-toe with his brother, Keith" - yeah that's a reason to make him captain. I mean seriously - I can come up with better candidates had the Bs not chosed Chara than Primeau - don't get me wrong, although I like Primeau, I don't see him staying with the Bruins for the long haul. "George" also said he would normally never call to talk hockey - he should have gone with his first intinct; instead of making himself just look plain old stupid.

I for one am so excited to see Chara in a Bruins sweater for the first time tonight and to see the entire offense. HERE WE GO BRUINS (here we go) HERE WE GO BRUINS (here we go)

Anyone else tuning in tonight to see the revamped Bruins team? What players are you excited to watch?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

With 18 bodies currently in camp (five rookies), the Celtics roster appears to be backlogged at almost every position.

That isn’t the way head coach Doc Rivers sees it, and it’s not the assessment given by new Celtics big man Theo Ratliff who has 11 years of experience in the NBA.

“I mean, you got to have a team,� Ratliff said on Thursday in response to having so many big men who come into camp either having played a lot in the past or looking to play significant minutes. “That’s a team. You want to try to build your team, build your foundation, and I think they’re doing a great job of it. (They’re) mixing the old with the new.�

In the frontcourt that mix consists of a large group of guys with three years or less in the league. Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, and Ryan Gomes, all fall into that category along with rookies Leon Powe (University of California), Kevin Pittsnogle (West Virginia University), and Akin Akingbala (Clemson).

Also in the picture are veterans Brian Scalabrine and Michael Olowokandi. Olowokandi is a free agent, but has decided to attend camp without a contract and compete for a roster spot.

Ratliff, who came over in the trade that sent Raef LaFrentz and Dan Dickau to the Blazers and brought Sebastian Telfair to Boston, said he has been working with the younger guys since the summer on things such as how to play help defense, being aggressive while clogging the middle of the lane, having an intimidating presence, always being in position to defend, and knowing how and when to move around the key area.

According to Ratliff, sometimes guys come to him with questions, but in other instances he is the one to initiate things, even pulling a guy to the side if he sees some area in a player's game that he knows he can have a positive impact on.

The Celtics talked during the off-season about the need to improve defensively, and on draft night Rivers and Danny Ainge both touted Ratliff’s ability to blocking shots.Ratliff has averaged 2.6 blocks, 6.2 rebounds, and 8.0 points per game in his career. In the 2004-05 season he and Joel Przybilla were one of the top five tandems in the NBA in blocking shots.

“It would be nice to settle on that (the center position) eventually,� Rivers said. “That’s going to be tough though. Al and Perk are both players who can play, but they still have so much to learn. It would be nice to throw Al out there and keep him out there or throw Perk out there and keep him out there, but we don’t know if they’re ready for that. We've got to see that. That will come. I think Theo buys us some time, clearly.�

Rivers also added that practicing against post players like Ratliff and Olowokandi can only help the development of guys like Jefferson and Perkins, if from no standpoint other than pure physicality.

Things will assuredly change as they roll through the preseason and into the regular season, but the current philosophy for the Celtics appears to be you can never have enough big bodies.

What do you think? Do the Celtics just have too many guys? Will they be able to sort out roles and rotations and win games? Click on the comments link below and weigh in.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The most interesting exchange from Thursday’s Belichick press conference once again involved Nick Saban. I think it points to the tremendous respect BB has for Saban and how highly he values his opinion.

(For more Patriots coverage, check out David Pevear’s feature on Wesley Britt in today’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com)

Q: Both of your coordinators now were assistants for Nick [Saban] before they came here.  Is that maybe a sign of how much you trust Nick and his recommendations on those types of guys?

BB: That definitely had a lot to do with it.  Yes.  I knew Dean [Pees] from when he was at Navy and he coached with my dad and all of that, kind of like I knew Nick when Nick was at Navy.  I didn't know Brian [Daboll].  I didn't know Josh [McDaniels].  They were recommended to me by Nick.  Actually I didn't even know either one of them until the association was made through Nick.  He was really instrumental with those guys.  As usual, exactly what he said they would be and how good they were, it was right on the money.

Q: What did he tell you about them?

BB: Brian worked for him at Michigan State and was kind of a quality control person and broke down film and did some preparation work for him on defense.  I know how demanding Nick is and how detailed he wants things and so somebody that Nick would be happy with, I felt like I will be happy with too in terms of his work ethic and his detail and his understanding of football and being able to present in a way that the coaches could utilize it.  Nick kind of said, ‘Look, I don't know who else you have for that position, but I'm just telling you that you should compare Brian to whoever else you have because I don't think you're going to find anybody any better than him,’ plus the fact that he had been trained in a similar system for two years at Michigan State.  Brian led to Josh's recommendation because we were kind of in the same boat there in 2000 where we were looking for somebody.  We were looking for somebody in scouting actually, so Josh was hired in scouting to work with Scott [Pioli].  Then as things moved along during the season, Brian knew that Josh could do some of the things that he was doing because he did them at Michigan State.  So we brought Josh down and he worked on the defensive side of the ball and then we shifted Brian over to receivers.  Those guys kind of followed each other.

Q: Was the transition pretty seamless for those guys maybe because you and Nick have similar philosophies?

 BB: Absolutely.  It was as good a transition as I've ever been around.  Brian was actually more on top of some stuff than we were.  Josh was just as on top of it.  In some respects, Nick probably had advanced the program.  I feel like we had advanced it, but I think Nick had advanced it more and so some of the things that he did were actually improvement on the way that we did things in Cleveland.  Brian brought some of those improvements, some of those breakdowns and kind of just our methods of doing things that were a little bit more streamlined.  He kind of actually brought those and upgraded us.  He's done a great job.  Dean has had a tremendous coaching career in college at Michigan State, Notre Dame, Kent State and he's been at a number of different schools as a coordinator.  Again, I knew him back from when he was at Navy.  He did a good job with the Kent State program.  When we were looking for a linebackers coach, when Rob [Ryan] left and went to Oakland, talking to Dean it was just a situation at that point in his life and career that this was something that he was interested in.  He's been a huge addition to our defensive staff.  Dean's really a good football coach.  He's one of the best coaches that I've been around.

So, who’s the teacher and who’s the mentor in this relationship? If the philosophies are so similar, do Belichick and the Patriots have a lot to worry about in the Dolphins the next few years? Or ultimately, is it the players (like Brady) who make the difference?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

In one night Hockey fans saw a penalty shot, shoot out and overtime - Now that's hockey!

Mats Sundin had the successful penalty shot beating new Ottawa netminder Martin Gerber in the Leafs 4-1 loss to the Sens.

Sundin was hauled down by Anton Volchenkov on a breakaway.

Our old buddy Andrew Raycroft lost his first regular season for the Leafs - though if you watched the game on Comcast's Center Ice free preview - it wasn't all his fault.

During the battle of Canada - the Sabres looked to show the 'Canes all was not forgotten after Carolina defeated them in seven games for the right to battle for the cup last season. After skating to a 2-2 tie - Buffalo, in their new digs - which can you say UGLY, I mean U-G-L-Y, defeated the Stanley Cup Champs on Daniel Briere's shootout goal - good for me he's on one of my fantasy teams

The overtime was a bit more exciting in the Dallas/Colorado match-up.
Darryl Sydor won the game for Dallas after seving 2 mins in the box for slashing at the end of regulation

He was almost the goat for the Stars but the defensman took a great pass from goalie Marty Turco - broke in uncontested and beat Theodore over his right shoulder - if you stayed up to watch the game like I did - it did not disappoint, in fact it was well worth it.

The action continues tonight with 10 games scheduled. tilts to watch:
Washington at New York Rangers - just watching Ovechkin is reason enough to tune in
Flyers at Pens - there's something about Simon Gagne and Sidney Crosby - two different types of offensive and exciting to watch
St. Lousi taking on San Jose - Jumbo Joe is the reason there ....

And for those that have nothing better to do today NESN is airing a 9-hour marathon of Classic Bruins games including Neely scoring 50 goals in the Bruins 44th game; The Bs scoring 3 goals in 57 seconds in the 3rd to defeat Montreal and when Bourque scored a goal and 2 assists to overcome Bucyk as the Bs all-time leading scorer.

I'm pumped the season is underway and can't wait to watch more games tonight.... Anyone disappointed with what they saw last night? Tuning in for any particular match-up tonight?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Celtics promise to get out in transition and make it a point to play an up-tempo style this season. A lot of that will have to do with the ability of the point guard to create, take charge, and make good decisions with the ball, something the team missed last year. Here is the skinny and the comments from the three point guard candidates for the Celtics on Media Day: Delonte West, Sebastian Telfair, and Rajon Rondo.

Delonte West is the incumbent, sort of. While he’s last year’s starting point guard, the Celtics have been pushing his “versatility� as the best factor about him coming into this season. The implication being that West may be best suited as a backcourt player (point guard or off guard) coming in off the bench.

West on the Celtics acquiring Telfair and Rondo: I thought we were trying to improve our basketball team. The main thing I thought is I’m happy to be in the green and white another year. It’s a blessing.

On expecting to play more at the two guard: “Man, I’m trying out for the power forward this year. So, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, you better watch out. I’m trying out for every position on the floor. However I get on the floor this season, that’s where I’m at. Somebody lost a spot.

On his back pain: “No pain at all. I’m ready to go.�

On off-season work: “I told you I’m trying out for power forward so I worked on my right-hand hook shot, post ups, right-hand hook shot, left hand hook shot. But overall, everything. I never go into training and working out on a specific thing. Just go out and work on my game. I’m an unfinished product. I’m trying to go out and become a great player in this league.

On Telfair: “He’s talented. He’s a guy who came out of high school. That speaks volumes of a person’s game…I think he’s going to be a great contribution to the Celtics organization.�

Sebastian Telfair is the import from Portland. He might be just 6-feet tall, but his name is as big as any on the Celtics roster because of the exposure and notoriety that came his way as a high school player on New York’s Coney Island. Telfair was stuck behind Nick Van Exel and Damon Stoudamire during his first season in Portland. Last year he was injured and then got stranded on the bench as the Trailblazers featured the inside game and opted to go with Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack at the point.

On being a Celtic: “It feels good to be a Celtic. I’m happy to be here. Got a good team. Looking forward to winning some games.�

On point guard situation: “It’s going to be a lot of competition, and we’re going to go out there and we’re going to be compete. I’m looking at as we got point guards that can play, so we’re going to be a strong team.

On the team being able to win: “We can win. I think we have the talent. We have an All-Star, we have guys that are willing to go out there and commit to basketball, and that’s all you need to win games.

On staying consistent in being a running team: “In the beginning of the season we have to win while running. If we’re going to run, we’re going to have to defend a lot. We’re going to get up and down the court. We got to defend, and when you defend you win games. And when your winning, there’s no need to change anything.

On looking forward to playing his cousin Stephon Marbury four times: “Absolutely. (Laughs) It’s exciting just playing one of the best point guards in the league that you’re going to have to go out there and guard from getting 30 points, but hey, that’s fun.�

On Doc saying he wants to push this team: “I’m ready to be pushed. Whatever he’s got to do for us to win, and I think he’s got a great group to push. There’s no guys with negative attitudes. No guys that don’t want to come in and play and give their all.

On being a young player and a leader as the point guard: “I think that’s what my first two years was about, learning those things where as now I’m able to put that on my shoulders. You know, to be the leader of the team. Now I’m here in my third season and I know things I didn’t know two years ago. I’m ready to go out there and perform.�

Rajon Rondo is the rookie out of the University of Kentucky. He was an early entry into the NBA Draft, coming out after his sophomore season. He was named Second Team All-SEC as a sophomore and led the SEC in assists (4.9 apg) and ranked second in steals (2.0 spg). Rondo also played on the gold medal winning 2005 USA Men’s U-21 World Championship Team at the Global Games held in Dallas, and the squad that finished fifth at the FIBA World Championships in Argentina. He set a FIBA World Championships record for steals (27).

On his experience so far as a rookie: “Things have been going pretty smooth so far.�

On the summer: “I feel pretty good, confident in my game and what I’m able to do. I think I had a great summer. I’m looking forward to getting started (Tuesday).

On whether was good decision to come out early: “Definitely. I got picked. I know was pretty much going some of anywhere in the first round. I’m just thankful I got picked. I wanted to come here.�

On the point guard competition and his fit: “I don’t know. Wherever Doc puts me at. It’s going to be determination. May the best guy win. We’re competitors and we’re going to compete every day, but you know Doc will do what’s best for the team.

On what he’s trying to show in training camp: “They know what I can do best. I just got to do it. I’m not going to do anything that‘s, you know not any reason that they didn’t pick me. I’m just going to do the things that got me here. The little things the intangibles. Defense, getting down on the floor, taking the charges. I’m not trying to score every time. Trying to get my teammates involved.

On what he needs to do to improve his shooting: “Shoot the ball. There’s nothing wrong with my technique. It’s a role. My role will be to shoot the ball when I’m wide open. Just taking the shot really. Not necessarily passing up the shot.

On why he plays such good defense: “Actually the reason why is because I knew how I to get the starting job at Kentucky. (I thought) I’m going to separate myself from guys who just want to score all the time.

Who do you think will end up running the point for the green this year? Is there an odd man out? Should there be?Click on the comments link below and give your opinion.

Posted By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

OK, so I just joined my second Fantasy League and pre-ranked my draft. Here's how I rank the Top 5 Fantasy Player per position - IMO...
BTW - ranking them from 5-1

Goalies
5. Dominik Hasek (Det) LY w/ Ottawa he posted a 28-10-4 record with .925 Sv% and 2.09 GAA - if he can stay healthy look for Hasek to bounce back with the team he won the Cup with.
4. Ryan Miller (Buf) 30-14-3; .914 Sv%; 2.60 GAA - there's a reason the Sabres went as far as the Eastern Conference Finals last season and Miller was it.
3. Tomas Vokoun (Nsh) 36-18-7; .919 Sv%; 2.67 GAA - Had he not had the blood clot problems, Vokoun would had finished strong for the Predators and they would have gone farther in the playoffs last season
2. Mikka Kiprusoff (Cal) 42-20-11; .923 Sv%; 2.07 GAA - the most consistently solid goalie in the league last year besides .....

1. Martin Brodeur (NJ) 43-23-7; .911 Sv%; 2.57 GAA - until someone does what he does night in and night out he will always be tops since Roy is retired.

Centers
5. Jason Spezza (Ott) last year Spezza posted 19 goals and 71 assists for 90 points. If he stays healthy - look for him to have close to 90 assists centering Heatley and Alfredsson
4. Eric Staal (Car) Staal was insturmental in the 'Canes winning the Cup last year with 45 goals, 55 assists for 100 points. The 21-year-old (turns 22 at the end of the month) will only get better with age
3. Michael Nylander (NYR) Last year the center posted 23 goals and 56 assists for 79 points and he was only centering Jagr - imagine what he can do this season with Shanahan on the other wing
2. Sindey Crosby (Pit) Crosby as a rookie last year had 102 points with 39 goals and 63 helpers - I can't wait to see the numbers he puts up with Malkin on his wing

1. Joe Thornton (SJS) Thornton earned the scoring title with 125 points (29 goals, 96 assists). Some argue Big Joe would never post those type of numbers in Boston, but last season was not a fluke - Thornton will do just as well this season with Cheechoo on his wing

Wingers
5. Daniel Alfredsson (Ott)
4. Danny Heatley (Ott)
The line of Alfredsson-Spezza-Heatley was one of the tops last season with Alfredsson and Heatley both posting 103 point seasons - look for that line to keep on pace
3. Jonathan Cheechoo (SJS) No one benifeted more than Cheechoo on the Thornton trade. Cheechoo posted career highs with 56 goals and 37 helpers for 93 points; there is no doubt in my mind he'll hit over 100 points with Thornton centering him for a full season
2. Alexander Ovechkin (Was) The rookie phenom had 52 goals and 54 assists for 106 points last year - things are only going to get better for this kid

1. Jaromir Jagr (NYR) Last year, Jagr missed the scoring title by 2 points behind Thornton and since the Rangers have signed Shanahan - the Shanahan-Nylander-Jagr line is going to be extremely potent this season as long as Jagr can stay healthy

Defenseman
5. Zdeno Chara (Bos) As the biggest d-man in the league, Chara is going to lead the Bs this season. Last year, with Ottawa, he had 43 points (16 goals and 27 assists), he was a +17 and had 135 PIM - Chara is bound to be on the PP for the Bs and allow his forwards to be open in front of the net
4. Wade Redden (Ott) With Chara departing from the Sens, Redden is going to have to come up big. Last year he was a +35, disciplined with just 63 PIM and had 10 goals and 40 helpers for 50 points
3. Bryan McCabe (Tor) McCabe has always been solid on the blue line and with Gill now with the Leafs, McCabe is going to have to be that much better - his numbers last year were 19 goals, 49 assists for 68 points; -1 and 116 PIM
2. Sergei Zubov (Dal) Zubov had a +20 last year with 71 points (13 goals and 71 helpers) also disciplined only 46 PIM - look for Zubov to have another solid year on D

1. Nicklas Lidstrom (Det) What can't be said about Lidstrom? Posted 80 points to lead all d-man last season (16 goals and 64 assists); +21 and 50 PIM - has been outstanding on the blue line for the Red Wings his entire career- unless injury stops him that's not going to change...

So, there you have it - my Top 5 Fantasy Players by position. What do you think? Did I miss someone? Was a player over looked?

While working at Channel 7 back in the early 90’s, one of my favorite tasks was logging Bill Parcells’ press conferences and compiling the best sound bites (quotes) into a segment we called Tuna Talk. The Tuna is about as entertaining as an NFL coach can be, and those days where he was in a playful mood with the media were something to see.

Bill Belichick, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. Getting entertaining quotes out of him is harder than trigonometry, which is why you'll only see a Bill's Blurbs feature on this blog as opposed to your local television station. While you’ll catch occasional glimpses of the man’s humor, most questions generate ho-hum responses guaranteed not to provide any information or offend anyone. Still, if you listened long enough and pay close attention, you just might learn a thing or two.

Today’s presser provided a couple of examples. Talking about how Miami is different with Duante Culpepper at QB, BB said this:  

“I think they're probably just as explosive as they've been.�

Yeah, right! Must be referring to the Marino-Duper-Clayton days…LOL! A classic example of the coach not taking any opponent for granted and not allowing his players to let down either.

“Look, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Nick.  Like I said, I worked with him for four years at Cleveland and I’ve known him and been very close with him before and after that.  There’s no other coach in this league or any league that I have more respect for than Nick Saban.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I learned a whole lot more from him when he was at Cleveland than I'm sure he learned from me.  I mean that in a very respectful way.  That guy is a [darn] good football coach.  Whatever he needs to do, he can do.  He can be positive.  He can be critical.  He can be conservative.  He can open it up.  He can do whatever he needs to do, and he's not afraid to do any of it.  I think whatever he feels like is best for his football team, that's what he'll do.  If it's go out and walk through practice, then he'll do that.  If it's go out and scrimmage for two hours, then he'll go into that.  He'll do whatever he thinks is good for his team.  That's why he always has good teams.  That's why his teams are always competitive.  That's why he's a good football coach, because he has a good way of reading his team and knowing what it takes and knowing what he needs to do and he gets it done.  Last year they were sitting here at 3-7.  Everybody was shoveling dirt on them then too.  They come back and win the next six games, after they lost to Cleveland up there.  That was it.  That was the end of their season.  They couldn't beat Cleveland.  They come back and win the next six games, including us.  You can never count Nick Saban…you can never count the Miami Dolphins out of anything.  Even when you're 10 points up in the fourth quarter, four minutes to go or whatever it was.â€?

That soliloquoy was in response to a question about Miami coach Nick Saban. When compared to the brush off he gave the Eric Mangini topic a few weeks back, it clearly illustrates how ticked Belichick still is at Mangini. For what, we don’t yet know. But there’s obviously something there.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

I am officially done mourning the end of the pitiful Red Sox season .... no seriously, I had some personal things, but not to worry, the season officially starts tonight and I'm ready to talk some hockey!!!

First up, I'm sure you're all aware of the fact Zdeno Chara was named the Bruins Captain yesterday, along with Glen Murray and Patrice Bergeron as the assistants.
I for one am very happy about that, but the message boards on TSN-Canada were alive yesterday with nay sayers.
Saying the Bruins season is over before it starts because Chara has been given the "C." They also claim it's a slap in Murray's face to not select him. I personally don't see either of those, but that's JMO.

Versus is features a double header tonight with the Buffalo Sabres traveling to Raleigh to face the defending Stanley Cup Champions - Carolina Hurricanes. Ironically, it was the 'Canes that beat the Sabres in the Eastern Conference Finals to allow Carolina to even compete for the cup.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. - not sure if Versus will televise the banner raising or not.

TSN is airing the first Canadien battle - Ottawa vs. Toronto - again game time is 7. Oh and for those of you with Comcast, they are giving hockey fans a free preview of the Center Ice package and the game will be televised on channel 621.
The second game on Versus features Dallas at Colorado at 10 p.m.

The Bruins don't get their season started until Friday when they take on the Florida Panthers - NESN is carrying the game, pregame at 7; puck drops at 7:30.

The Devils take the ice on Saturday for their first regular season game against the Albany River Rats at 7:05 p.m.

For those of you keeping track - that means Keith Aucoin will be back in Lowell, since the River Rats are his new home.

Wow, I feel better now that I've finally posted again. What do you guys think about Chara being named captain? Are you excited the NHL is about to start and do you plan on watching any games tonight?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I know the idea sounds completely illogical. Statistical analysis would prove there’s nothing to it. It’s probably the work of a disturbed mind that spends way too much time worrying about fantasy sports.

But I swear…there are certain players who, when they’re playing against me, go completely out of their mind and single-handedly cost me a victory!!!

I’m not talking superstars mind you. There’s no shame in having LaDainian Tomlinson or Peyton Manning do you in. Those guys are the best in the business…have been for a long time and will continue to be till age or injury catches up to them. You just tip your cap and pray you’re in position to draft them next year.

No, what I’m talking about are the guys mired in mediocrity. Or worse, the complete stiffs who show up once or twice a year…and only against your team. Case in point; Santana Moss.

I realize Moss isn’t exactly a stiff. He’s a decent, middle of the road receiver who was the ultimate fantasy tease early in his career…a few good games sprinkled around a mostly disappointing season of no-shows when you really needed him. I would know…I had the clown on my team 3-consecutive years. Now, I also realize his numbers the last year-plus in Washington show a top-notch fantasy wideout. But a closer look shows those numbers to be skewed because of games played against my team. Think I’m kidding?

Santana’s line in ’06 is respectable enough; 17-receptions for 326-yards and 3-TD’s. Of course, 4 of those catches, 138 of those yards, and all three of those scores came last week. Oh yeah, here’s the killer; a 68-yard TD in overtime to beat the Jaguars…and me! Overtime touchdowns are rare enough, let alone 68-yard receptions. But there were greater forces at work!

It’s not the first time this has happened, either. Remember that Monday night game last year between the Cowboys and Redskins? The one the ‘Boys had well in hand until Mark Brunnell started chucking long passes to Moss with under 5-minutes to go? Yup…two TD’s later, including a 70-yarder, Dallas was cooked…and so was I. The next time my team tried tackling him, Moss exploded for 10-173 and 2-TD’s, including a 78-yarder. Coincidence? I think not!

You novices might laugh, but seasoned fantasy players know better. Admit it…you’ve all been “Mossed� time and time again by a certain player who disappears like Houdini against everyone else. There’s nothing you can do about it except bitch…unless you have Jeff Gillooly on your speed dial!

Who is your Santana Moss? Share your horror tales with the rest of us. Go ahead…you’ll feel better if you do!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: The Red Sox announce they will not renew the contracts of hitting coach Ron Jackson and pitching coach Dave Wallace. The 2006 Sox finished 12th in the American League with a .269 batting average. The pitching staff finished 11th with a 4.83 ERA.

Teddy’s Take: And so it begins…

Time to begin the blame game, and what better place to start than the coaching staff. If I’m Terry Francona, I’m not starting any home renovations, because he’s next in line should the wheels fall off the wagon again in ’07.

Here’s what I want to know; when will the people who really deserve the blame stand up and face the music like men? In each of Papa Jack’s first three years, Boston led the American League in runs scored. Did he suddenly forget how to teach hitting? The 2004 Red Sox ranked 3rd in team E.R.A. Did Wallace get dumb in two years?

Red Sox management chalked 2006 up as a rebuilding year, then left the coaches out to dry when things turned sour. You can’t bleed talent from an organization like Boston has the last two years and expect the same production. Perhaps Jackson and Wallace deserve some of the blame. But if the plan is to play for the future, then the coaches deserve a chance in the future as well.

But, hey…someone has to take the blame, right?

What do you think of the Red Sox letting their hitting and pitching coaches go? Will it make any difference if they don’t start bringing in more talent?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

With baseball’s regular season over, I thought this would be a good time to take a look ahead at the playoffs…but not before taking a peek back.

I didn’t make any post-season predictions (other than who would get there) when I did my preview back on April 2nd. I didn’t have much faith in my powers of prognostication,  but in retrospect I think I actually did pretty well, correctly predicting 5-of-8 playoff teams, including 3-of-6 division winners. (See for yourself)

The division that completely befuddled me was the AL Central. I never saw the Twins and Tigers coming, though I did comment that Detroit was on the right track. I also had the defending champion White Sox missing out on the fun, one of the few people in the country to go out on that limb.

Other items to pat myself on the back about were Ryan Howard as home run champ…Roger Clemens’ spring absence costing Houston some fall fun…and of course, the Red Sox not having enough to overtake the Yankees. (I did expect them to hold of the Blue Jays, but we’ll leave that one alone for now)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the great accomplishments of a couple of guys we got to see at LeLacheur Park not too long ago. Anibal Sanchez pitched a no-hitter for the Marlins…Freddie Sanchez won the NL batting title…and Hanley Ramirez is the odds-on favorite for NL Rookie of the year.

For the record, all three were brought to the Red Sox by Dan Duquette, who was apparently a lot better at building a minor league system than given credit for. And I don’t think its coincidence all three were traded, while the current regime’s draft choices are valued like the Holy Grail. (Is that enough crowing for you Louis Cypher?)

As for the playoffs, the Panos tarot cards have San Diego beating the staggering Cardinals…The Mets outslugging Grady Little’s Dodgers…and the New Yorkers dvancing to the World Series even without Pedro Martinez. There’s just too much talent in that lineup and enough pitching and defense to survive a weak National League.

On our side of the pond, I see the Twins continuing Oakland’s playoff futility. The real fun is the other divisional playoff. I think New York vs. Detroit is this year’s real World Series. Whichever team survives this war will go on to beat Minnesota and then the Mets in the Fall Classic. Up until last week, I thought the Tigers were the team to beat. Now, I’m not so sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Motown boys move on, but if you put a gun to my head, I have to say the Yankees win.

I’d pick the Mets in the Subway Series if they had you-know-who. Without him, I see George Steinbrenner’s $200-million-plus payroll finally paying dividends. There are just too many bats there, and there are enough competent arms in the Yanks rotation to keep them in the game till the offense wears the other staff down and Mariano Rivera closes it out.

Two players to watch: Johnny Damon will remind us why he’s worth the money…and Alex Rodriguez finally earns his stripes with a big post-season. You heard it here first!

Your thoughts on the playoffs and my predictions? Don’t just rip mine…put yours on record so we can compare!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The common sentiment shared by Celtics players on media day was that the they’re tired of the label “young.� Of course, in the minds of many the term is usually a way of saying “they’re not ready to contend.�

Last season the Celtics believed they had a lot of talented players that they needed to get experience. At times that meant playing a lot of guys and not giving any set group the chance to get into a real rhythm. This season, several positions are up for grabs and its winner take all.

“The way I look at it going into training camp is after you got me and Wally (Szczerbiak), there’s a lot of position battles where guys will be going hard trying to get a spot,� said Paul Pierce who still wears an elbow brace after off-season elbow surgery. “I don’t really see any clear cut other spots out there.�

One good thing that will motivate and get the competitive spirit out from the first week of practice, according to Pierce. The atmosphere in camp and in practice only figures to help the youngsters raise their level of play.

The biggest thing for the Celtics according to their captain, Pierce, will be for the guys to start making significant strides as polished basketball players.

“Our maturity, that’s the key right there,� Pierce says. “These guys put in a lot of hard work over the summer, learning from their mistakes. With so many young talented players. In order for us to win you have to mature. A lot of these guys can play, but a lot of these guys have to learn how to win. That’s the next step we need to take.�

Green Growing up
Most of the Celtics players come into camp believing they’ve improved their game in some way, shape, or form. Then there is 20-year-old second-year man Gerald Green who apparently improved in every way.

“My ball handling is pretty good now, it wasn’t really all that last year," he says. "My court awareness is pretty good. My passing is a whole lot better. My defense, I’m more aware on defense. More active on defense. So I think a got a little better than last year.�

Green was also excited to point out that he’s added a good deal of muscle and is now weighing in around 215 pounds. Last year the rookie out of Gulf Shores Academy in Houston, Texas, spent some time with both Florida and Fayetteville of the National Basketball Developmental League (NBDL).

He did show his share of explosiveness while on Boston’s roster at the end of the season and averaged 14.8 points per game over his last five games. This July he averaged 18.6 points per game and shot more than 50 percent from three-point range in the Las Vegas Summer League.

“I’m more relaxed," Green says about this year. "I know what I’m getting myself into this year. I mean this year is a whole lot better. I feel more comfortable. I feel like I got a year under my belt, feel like I got a lot more experience.�

Again that’s Al, not A.I.
It should be a big season for Al Jefferson who stayed in Boston the whole summer. He turned over a new leaf and started eating a lot more leafy food, cutting out fried foods and junk food. Jefferson also hired a chef that helped him cut his body fat down to 9.6 percent and shed 30 pounds.

“It’s going to help me,� Jefferson said of losing the weight. “It’s going to help me more than hurt me. I know that. It’s already a lot easier to run down the court. I already feel like I’m running down the court a lot better, jumping a lot higher than what I used to, and like I said, it’s going to take a lot of unnecessary weight off my ankle.�

The 21-year-old third-year man is pumped about the addition of Theo Ratliff because he’s a veteran that will take younger guys under his wing. Also, Jefferson said the signing of Clifford Ray was “the best thing that ever happened,� calling Ray a motivator and saying he’s teaching the low post players how to be “beasts.� Ray, who was added as an assistant coach this summer, specializes in working with the post players and has previously worked Dwight Howard in Orlando as well as likes of NBA players Erick Dampier, Adonal Foyle, Chris Webber and Carlos Boozer.

Still, Jefferson was careful not to make any bold proclamations about what he plans to accomplish this coming season.

“I’m just going to take it day-by-day,� he said. “I’m not going to make any promises to nobody. The only thing I can say is that it’s going to be a year that I’m going to play my best. I’m going to play my hardest, and I’m just going to be ready to play every time I step on that court. Like I said, my hard work is going to pay off. I really believe my hard work is going to pay off.�

Tomorrow we’ll hit you with some of the comments of the three guys looking to get minutes at the point guard position, Sebastian Telfair, rookie Rajon Rondo, and Delonte West.

In the meantime, click on the comments link below to let us know how you feel about the upcoming Boston Celtics season.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The boys are back in town and training camp gets underway on Tuesday. Eighteen players are on hand for camp.

Primary among the faces you thought you wouldn't see is Michael Olowokandi. He came over last year as part of the Ricky Davis trade. He is a free agent and is in camp without a guaranteed contract.

Preseason games begin on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with the Celtics meeting up with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio. All preseason games will be televised on Fox Sports New England.

Rosters for opening day have to be finalized by 6 p.m. on October 30.

Your 2006 Boston Celtics training camp roster (heights and weights are what the team lists them as):

• Akin Akingbala, F, 6-10, 240




• Tony Allen, G, 6-4, 213




• Ryan Gomes, F, 6-7, 250




• Gerald Green, F/G, 6-8, 200




• Al Jefferson, F, 6-10, 257




• Dwayne Jones, C, 6-11, 250




• Michael Olowokandi, C, 7-0, 270




• Kendrick Perkins, C, 6-10, 280




• Paul Pierce, G, 6-6, 230




• Kevin Pittsnogle, C, 6-11, 250




• Leon Powe, F, 6-8, 240




• Allan Ray, G, 6-2, 190




• Theo Ratliff, 6-10, 230




• Rajon Rondo, 6-1, 175




• Brian Scalabrine, F, 6-9, 235




• Wally Szczerbiak, F, 6-7, 235




• Sebastian Telfair, G, 6-0, 168




• Delonte West, G, 6-4, 180

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Rest easy, everybody. The World Chess Championships have resumed after a temporary delay.

What’s that? You weren’t even aware there was a World Chess Championship, let alone that play came to a halt? No wonder the news slipped through the cracks.

To get you caught up, Bulgaria’s Veselin Topalov is squaring off against Russian Vladimir Kramnick for the title of World’s Biggest Geek…I mean, World Chess Champion. However, the competition took a filthy turn last Friday when Topalov filed a protest against Kramnick.

And exactly what began this dispute? A bathroom. (I kid you not, for lack of a better term!)

It seems Topalov’s nose got out of joint over Kramnick constantly retreating to his private commode during the matches. The rest areas are the only places where the players aren’t under constant surveillance by referees. The Russian claims he drinks a lot of water during competition, but the insinuation from the other camp was there was something rotten going on behind closed doors.

As a result, the World Chess Federation locked both players’ private quarters and forced them to use a common bathroom. The move so infuriated Kramnick, he staged a sit down protest (presumably on the floor, not a toilet) and refused to play until the door was unlocked. A forfeit was declared and the war of words escalated.

Kramnick demanded the potty poopers at the chess federation respect his rights. Topalov is upset his opponent will still be allowed unsupervised breaks. Both think the situation stinks.

The incident is but the latest example of the sports world going down the toilet. Two weekends ago, Joe Paterno made a mad dash to the locker room in front of a national television audience. Before that, it was Manny Ramirez disappearing into the Green Monster for a little relief at Fenway.

In the Tour de France, it’s customary for the lead pack to stop in unison for a roadside break. No such courtesy exists at the Boston Marathon, where Uta Pipig once finished number one while covered in number two.

Sitting atop the throne as the greatest moment in Schaefer/Sullivan/Foxboro Stadium history isn’t the Tuck Rule, but a bathroom related event. After a disastrous pre-season game where the toilets and sinks overflowed because the plumbing system wasn’t set up to accommodate thousands of simultaneous uses, the town of Foxboro forced the Patriots to fix the problem or risk having the stadium shut down for the season opener.

Thus was born “The Great Flush of 1971,� where thousands of volunteers flushed every toilet in unison to prove the system works. Similar events have since become a ceremony at new stadiums in the area, with the media often invited to participate and record the festivities. Talk about pulling for the home team!

The best place to read about such goings on? Who would argue against the bathroom? Unless, of course, your name is Costanza and your Lowell Sun has been flagged.

As for our friends at the chess competition, play has resumed and the doors have been unlocked. Though the dispute was resolved in Kramnick’s favor, the Russian still holds a grudge against his opponent for “using unsportsmanlike behavior� and the Federation for “donating a victory� to him. For his part, Topalov refuses to shake his opponent’s hand.

Sounds to me like the wisest move of the entire tournament!

O.K. gang...time for some good toilet humor here. What are you best bathroom/sports memories? Can anything top "The Great Flush?" 

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Patriots 38
Bengals 13

Teddy’s Take: That’s more like it!

After a week of negative developments (the Broncos loss and injuries in the secondary), the Patriots did what they’ve done so many times in the past…bounce back and smack around a team favored to beat them.

There are plenty of reasons this team hasn’t lost consecutive games since 2002, but the biggest ones are their collective heart and toughness. This club responds incredibly well to adversity and being an underdog. In retrospect, that Vegas line (Pats +6) was ridiculous, and along with a great game plan, provided the fuel that powered this victory. We should have known better.

I think what I liked best about Sunday was how New England returned to being the physical force they were during their Super Bowl runs…and it wasn’t just the defense pounding Carson Palmer and his receivers. You could see it in the way Maroney, Dillon, Graham and everyone else repeatedly looked for Bengals defenders to punish. And you could hear it as the sounds of violent collisions screamed through the T.V. set.

The only question in my mind is how much is due to Cincinnati’s letdown after winning their “Super Bowl� in Pittsburgh last week. Not to take anything away from New England’s effort, but I thought the Bengals turned flat once they realized Bill Belichick’s troops wouldn’t roll over and play dead. To their credit, the Pats sensed it and took away Cincy’s will to fight by physically punishing them.

That’s what life is like week-to-week in the NFL. You can’t take any weeks off, even after one of the biggest wins of the season. The contenders (Patriots) know this. The pretenders (Bengals) still have to figure it out.

Shining Stars: After a week in detention, the Patriots class passed all exams with high marks this week. However, a few students earned honors and thus the coveted star on the forehead.

Laurence Maroney: Sure Corey Dillon also ran wild, but the rookie continues to show why he’s the future (not too distant, either). 125-yards, 2 TD’s, lots of punishing hits and one killer straight arm accounted for Maroney’s biggest day as a pro. The kid’s the real deal!

Offensive Line: The 236-rushing yards only tell half the story. For the second consecutive game, Tom Brady did not get sacked. Some offensive lines can run block. Others excel at pass blocking. This one does both, opening huge holes for the backs and doing a stand-up job protecting the most valuable asset.  Doesn’t get much better than that!

Rodney Harrison: Not to single out any one player from an outstanding defensive performance, but consider this; the team’s best corner (Ellis Hobbs) was out, as was its best cover safety (Eugene Wilson). And yet, no major breakdowns, no game-changing pass plays allowed…think Rodney’s leadership and presence had a little something to do with that? Remember how the secondary, with most of the same players, kept falling apart without Harrison last year? Forget the star on the forehead. This guy is at the head of the class!

Quality Quote: "There aren't any [defensive backs] on that team that can cover us. That's why they played the coverages they did."—Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Ummm, T.J…I think that’s the point of playing defense. One team does whatever it can to stop the other team from doing what it wants. You know, like devising strategies to keep high flying offenses to 13-points…that kind of stuff. Someday, you and your coaching staff will figure it out!

That’s my take…what’s yours? Did the Pats re-establish themselves as a top contender? Or was Cincy an overrated team due for a letdown?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

According to a report published on the Los Angeles Times website (latimes.com), Roger Clemens is among the players named by former teammate Jason Grimsley as having used performance-enhancing drugs.

Others who were reportedly identified included Houston Astros pitcher Andy Pettitte, and former American League MVP Miguel Tejada.

The names had been blacked out in an affidavit filed in federal court, but the LA Times report by Lance Pugmire and Tim Brown says a source with authorized access to an unedited affidavit allowed The Times to view it.

Pugmire and Brown write:

"According to the affidavit, Grimsley told investigators that Clemens and Pettitte "used athletic performance-enhancing drugs." He also said Tejada used anabolic steroids.

Clemens and Pettitte did not respond to requests for comment made Saturday through their agents and the Astros. Tejada had previously declined to be interviewed.

Grimsley was detained after he allegedly received an illegal shipment of human growth hormones. The shipment was tracked to his Scottsdale, Ariz., home by a task force of federal agents investigating drug use in professional baseball, the affidavit said.

For a time, Grimsley secretly cooperated with investigators, they said, but stopped after retaining a lawyer.

According to the 20-page search warrant affidavit signed by IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky, Grimsley told investigators he obtained amphetamines, anabolic steroids and human growth hormones from a source recommended to him by former Yankee trainer Brian McNamee. The former team trainer is a personal strength coach for both Clemens and Pettitte."

The story goes on to claim that the affidavit names Baltimore Orioles Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons as having used “anabolic steroids.‿

Grimsley, a former relief pitcher who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and the Angels, made headlines in June when he supposedly admitted using steroids, and implicated former teammates after investigators used a warrant to raid his home.

Let's not dance around it, what do you people think about the idea that Roger Clemens, one of the greatest pitchers of all time, being accused of using steroids? Click on the comments link below and give us your take.