Rhonda Rompola just completed her 15th season as the Women’s SMU head basketball coach, but a loss to Tulane to end conference play, has toughened her teams chances for an NCAA bid.
“For us to have any kind of chance at post season play, I think we've got to win a couple of more games,” says Rompola. “But I’m going to look at as a positive, that was our wake up call, and our team needs to take that wakeup call and we've got to out and so something with it.”
SMU is hosting the Conference USA Post season tournament, and has earned a first round bye. But she is concerned about her teams last performance. “We had some problems with communication the last time,” she says to her players during practice. “We had some problem defending their shooters, and we got to be ready to defend them.”
They're home record this season, is a respectable 11-and-5, but they prefer, not be good hosts as the post season approaches. The first tournament games will be played at Moody Coliseum on Thursday, March 2nd.
Says Senior Forward Sarah Davis, “Yeah, we kind of want to give them the tennis locker room, that's the worse locker room here at Moody,” Jokes Davis. “You know I'm kidding, we don't want to be too nice because we want to take care of our business.” Davis is one of only three seniors on this years team.
“The tournament shows what you’re made of,” says Senior Guard Kendall Shead. “Some people rise to the top, or blend in at the bottom.”
“Its really who's playing well that night,” says Rompola. “I mean Rice is a hot team right now, Tulane is a hot team, we're playing at home, and we want to play like, when we go out and step on the floor, we want teams to fear playing us.”
Winning the conference post season tournament is SMU's only hope of making the NCAA tournament, because an at-large bid might be out of reach. The good news is that the tournament is on their home court.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Rangers Pitching Coach Rudy Jarimillo Has Prostate Cancer
When spring training began for the Texas Rangers, optimism about the upcoming 2006 season was at all time high.
"It was one of those you didn't want to end," said Ranagers Manger. "You couldn't draw up any better."
But three days into their training camp, medical news about their hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo turned that optimism into concern.
"I had a biopsy about three weeks ago and it came back positive," said Jaramillo. "I've got a couple of cancer spots in my prostate, and i'm going to get it taken care of.
Jaramillo made it a point to tell the players about his prostate cancer before their fourth practice, and he also told them he'd have to leave to have surgery.
"Yeah, no doubt about it, the urologist said I need to have it done within two months," says Jaramillo. "They gave me some options, but I prefer to have the surgery, go in there and cut it out, that way in my mind, I'm relieved, so I can just go on.
Jaramillo is one of the most respected hitting coaches in the game today. He still dreams of being a manager some day, but right now, he has a lot more than just baseball on his mind.
"I don't tell Rudy anything expect get it done and get it right," says Manager Buck Showlater. "our guys are going to rally around him. Rudy takes this on like he takes on everything, don't tell him he can't do something"
General Manager Jon Daniels expressed similar thoughts. "My thoughts are exclusively with Rudy getting the best treatment that he can, and getting better. That's where all of our heads are right now," he said.
Michael Young credits Jaramillo for helping him win the 2005 American League Batting title last, and now finds himself pulling for a guy who fine tuned his game.
"He tries to downplay everything, saying its no big deal guys," says Young. "We love the guy, we thing he is best, and we're all going to be praying for him"
Jaramillo was unphased by the news that he had cancer. "When the doctor told me, it didn't phase me," he says. I have faith and I believe in today's technolgy. It happens all the time, so its nothing new. I'm real strong, and i'm just going to take car of it."
Jaramillo remains optimistic that he can be back for opening day, but a lot will depend who quickly and how well he recovers.
"It was one of those you didn't want to end," said Ranagers Manger. "You couldn't draw up any better."
But three days into their training camp, medical news about their hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo turned that optimism into concern.
"I had a biopsy about three weeks ago and it came back positive," said Jaramillo. "I've got a couple of cancer spots in my prostate, and i'm going to get it taken care of.
Jaramillo made it a point to tell the players about his prostate cancer before their fourth practice, and he also told them he'd have to leave to have surgery.
"Yeah, no doubt about it, the urologist said I need to have it done within two months," says Jaramillo. "They gave me some options, but I prefer to have the surgery, go in there and cut it out, that way in my mind, I'm relieved, so I can just go on.
Jaramillo is one of the most respected hitting coaches in the game today. He still dreams of being a manager some day, but right now, he has a lot more than just baseball on his mind.
"I don't tell Rudy anything expect get it done and get it right," says Manager Buck Showlater. "our guys are going to rally around him. Rudy takes this on like he takes on everything, don't tell him he can't do something"
General Manager Jon Daniels expressed similar thoughts. "My thoughts are exclusively with Rudy getting the best treatment that he can, and getting better. That's where all of our heads are right now," he said.
Michael Young credits Jaramillo for helping him win the 2005 American League Batting title last, and now finds himself pulling for a guy who fine tuned his game.
"He tries to downplay everything, saying its no big deal guys," says Young. "We love the guy, we thing he is best, and we're all going to be praying for him"
Jaramillo was unphased by the news that he had cancer. "When the doctor told me, it didn't phase me," he says. I have faith and I believe in today's technolgy. It happens all the time, so its nothing new. I'm real strong, and i'm just going to take car of it."
Jaramillo remains optimistic that he can be back for opening day, but a lot will depend who quickly and how well he recovers.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Avery Johnson Participates In His First NBA All Star Game
Avery Johnson will be coaching the Western Conference All Stars in Houston this weekend. Not bad for a man who played for 16-years, but never made the All Star team.
“Yeah, somebody made a lot of mistakes,” Johnson says laughing. “You know fans and coaches made a lot of mistakes. I’ll hold them all accountable.”
But this year, Johnson has not gone unnoticed. In the first four months of the season, he was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month all by once.
Even better, is that his staff gets to share in the All Star experience.
Rolando Blackman was an all star player, and now gets to be an all star coach. “I think the most fun is to be a player of course, to actually get out there and be in part of the game, but I'm going to enjoy it though, through the national anthem, throughout the whole game, no matter what, we would to like to win anyway,” says Blackman.
Mavericks assistant Larry Riley says, “Lets face it, we're like ever body else, we enjoy being around people who are at the top, or at the pinnacle of their profession, and so that's what its all about for me.”
Joe Prunty was on the staff of the Western Conference All Stars last year as an assistant with San Antonio. His advice for Johnson is simple.
“Ah win, win the game, go win the game and just enjoy it. I don't think I need to give him any advice on it, but that would be it, if anything.”
“I'm glad to see it,” says Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “We've got a lot of young coaches, like Joe Prunty who, you know they really deserve it.”
Johnson loves to toy with the idea of manipulating the all star team. “We want to wear the guys out from all of our enemies,” says Johnson. Ask if Dirk Nowitzki won't play any minutes at all, Johnson replied, “He might play five, ha ha.”
The last time a mavericks coach lead the Western Conference All Stars was three years ago when Don Nelson was given the honors. Now its Avery Johnson's turn in his first full season as head coach. The game is Sunday in Houston.
“Yeah, somebody made a lot of mistakes,” Johnson says laughing. “You know fans and coaches made a lot of mistakes. I’ll hold them all accountable.”
But this year, Johnson has not gone unnoticed. In the first four months of the season, he was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month all by once.
Even better, is that his staff gets to share in the All Star experience.
Rolando Blackman was an all star player, and now gets to be an all star coach. “I think the most fun is to be a player of course, to actually get out there and be in part of the game, but I'm going to enjoy it though, through the national anthem, throughout the whole game, no matter what, we would to like to win anyway,” says Blackman.
Mavericks assistant Larry Riley says, “Lets face it, we're like ever body else, we enjoy being around people who are at the top, or at the pinnacle of their profession, and so that's what its all about for me.”
Joe Prunty was on the staff of the Western Conference All Stars last year as an assistant with San Antonio. His advice for Johnson is simple.
“Ah win, win the game, go win the game and just enjoy it. I don't think I need to give him any advice on it, but that would be it, if anything.”
“I'm glad to see it,” says Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “We've got a lot of young coaches, like Joe Prunty who, you know they really deserve it.”
Johnson loves to toy with the idea of manipulating the all star team. “We want to wear the guys out from all of our enemies,” says Johnson. Ask if Dirk Nowitzki won't play any minutes at all, Johnson replied, “He might play five, ha ha.”
The last time a mavericks coach lead the Western Conference All Stars was three years ago when Don Nelson was given the honors. Now its Avery Johnson's turn in his first full season as head coach. The game is Sunday in Houston.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Dallas Stars Send Seven Players To 2006 Olympics
When the Dallas Stars game ended in Los Angeles on Sunday, it marked the beginning of the Olympic break for the National Hockey league.
Seven players from the Stars are headed to Italy, including goaltender Marty Turco, who was testing his Olympic head gear during practice last week. He will play for Team Canada.
"I've never been to an olympic site before or seen any events," says Turco. "So I think all that together is going to be pretty special in itself. To be playing in the NHL here in Dallas, and to represent them and my country at the same time in the Olympics, things couldn't be better in my life when we get over in Italy."
For Team USA, Bill Guerin and Mike Modano will both being making their third appearance in the Olympics.
"That happens every four years where you have an opportunity to play with great players, and good guys," says Modano. "A lot of us have known each other for a long, long, time, for some us, it might be our last shot at something that we can have a fond memory of."
But no country has more representives from the Dallas Stars than Finland which as four players from the team making the trip. They include Niklas Hagman from Espoo, Finland, who was a last minute replacement for Antti Miettinen who suffered an abdominal strain in Los Angeles.
Also traveling from Dallas are Jussi Jokinen from Kalajoki, Finland, Niko Kapanen from Hattua, Finland and Jere Lehtinen, also from Espoo, Finland. Lehtinen will be making his 4th Olympic appearance, one of six players from Finland who some say, have been carrying the Dallas stars.
"Ha ha we try to play good," says Lehtinen. "Of course, its ah, we have a lot of Fins, and everybody is doing good, so that's a good sign."
Says Tippett, "Just on a pure heart standpoint, I played for Canada twice, so I've obviously got a, now there is another part of me where I have a wife and two daughters at home that carry the American Flag very well. I get a lot of pressure there, and we've got our group of Fins, we're not going anywhere without the Fins playing well, so, I'm going to plead the fifth on that one. ha ha."
Those seven players represent nearly one third of the entire stars roster. That's a big number, and a lot of players to keep up with during the olympics.
Seven players from the Stars are headed to Italy, including goaltender Marty Turco, who was testing his Olympic head gear during practice last week. He will play for Team Canada.
"I've never been to an olympic site before or seen any events," says Turco. "So I think all that together is going to be pretty special in itself. To be playing in the NHL here in Dallas, and to represent them and my country at the same time in the Olympics, things couldn't be better in my life when we get over in Italy."
For Team USA, Bill Guerin and Mike Modano will both being making their third appearance in the Olympics.
"That happens every four years where you have an opportunity to play with great players, and good guys," says Modano. "A lot of us have known each other for a long, long, time, for some us, it might be our last shot at something that we can have a fond memory of."
But no country has more representives from the Dallas Stars than Finland which as four players from the team making the trip. They include Niklas Hagman from Espoo, Finland, who was a last minute replacement for Antti Miettinen who suffered an abdominal strain in Los Angeles.
Also traveling from Dallas are Jussi Jokinen from Kalajoki, Finland, Niko Kapanen from Hattua, Finland and Jere Lehtinen, also from Espoo, Finland. Lehtinen will be making his 4th Olympic appearance, one of six players from Finland who some say, have been carrying the Dallas stars.
"Ha ha we try to play good," says Lehtinen. "Of course, its ah, we have a lot of Fins, and everybody is doing good, so that's a good sign."
Says Tippett, "Just on a pure heart standpoint, I played for Canada twice, so I've obviously got a, now there is another part of me where I have a wife and two daughters at home that carry the American Flag very well. I get a lot of pressure there, and we've got our group of Fins, we're not going anywhere without the Fins playing well, so, I'm going to plead the fifth on that one. ha ha."
Those seven players represent nearly one third of the entire stars roster. That's a big number, and a lot of players to keep up with during the olympics.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
NFL Owners And Players Union At Odds Over Collective Bargaining Agreement
The National Football League and its collective bargaining agreement with the players union has been a model, which other sports have tried to emulate. But as NFL officials gathered in Detroit during the week of Super Bowl XL, it became obvious that negotiations for a new contract are not going well.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue says, “I don't know whether we'll get something done by the beginning of the league year. I don't know if we'll get something done by the end of March right now, because it has been one step forward, and at least several steps backward on a lot of different issues.”
“When we meet, Paul likes to say that he believes that we take one step forward, and two steps back.” says Union Chief Gene Upshaw. “I don't agree with that. I think we take one step forward and five steps back, because we're further apart now than we were when we started. And for anyone to believe that we're close, is just not reality, because that's just not where we are.”
The league begins a new year on March 3rd, and marks the beginning of the last year of the labor deal in which player compensation is governed by a salary cap. Without an extension, 2007 would be an uncapped season.
“We're saying that our percentage, has to be, the first number, has to be a six. that's all of it, that's everything, that's local revenues, that's everything.” Says Upshaw.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Tagliabue admits, their next contract will not be a slam dunk. “We do have serious issues to resolve. I do think that there needs to be, some more outreach and more reality on both sides as to where the middle is, and I don't think I said I was optimistic, I'm not optimistic, but that's what a difficult negotiation usually details.”
The last time there was an NFL players strike was 1987, which lead to owners conducting three games with strike-replacement players. Gene Upshaw says there is no chance of strike before 2008, but unless there is an extension, 2006 will be the last season with a salary cap.
Says the Commissioner, “I don't think that negotiations are going very well right now, I guess that's how I would put it. There needs to be an additional dose of reality on both sides of the table. I think that to some degree positions are hardening when they shouldn't be hardening.”
The union claims payrolls have been restricted, due to the current salary cap structure.
“What's keeping us apart is our percentage, and it has to begin with a 6. When you’re not paying your fair share on players, I have a problem with it, and other members of the union have a problem with it. And every player in the National Football League has a problem with it, and that's what we have to address, and that's what we are addressing,” says Upshaw. “We just were able to get a 24-billion dollar contract from the broadcast partners, and I know if you paid that kind of money, you bought prime rib, and they don't want to see hot dogs.”
Upshaw seemed to draw a line in the sand, saying, “Either they want to have a system, or they don't want to have one, but either way, either way, if we get through the uncapped year, and we go to the uncapped year, we won't come back.”
Upshaw says he will do what he has to do to protect the players rights, even if it means decertification of the union. That way, he says the owners won’t have a union to lock out. “They have to have a union to lock us out, and we will not be a union if we get to 2008,” he says.
So what happens next is anyone’s guess, but right now, the players union and the owners are not on the same page. The bottom line is that league revenues have skyrocketed, and the players union wants its members to have a bigger share.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue says, “I don't know whether we'll get something done by the beginning of the league year. I don't know if we'll get something done by the end of March right now, because it has been one step forward, and at least several steps backward on a lot of different issues.”
“When we meet, Paul likes to say that he believes that we take one step forward, and two steps back.” says Union Chief Gene Upshaw. “I don't agree with that. I think we take one step forward and five steps back, because we're further apart now than we were when we started. And for anyone to believe that we're close, is just not reality, because that's just not where we are.”
The league begins a new year on March 3rd, and marks the beginning of the last year of the labor deal in which player compensation is governed by a salary cap. Without an extension, 2007 would be an uncapped season.
“We're saying that our percentage, has to be, the first number, has to be a six. that's all of it, that's everything, that's local revenues, that's everything.” Says Upshaw.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Tagliabue admits, their next contract will not be a slam dunk. “We do have serious issues to resolve. I do think that there needs to be, some more outreach and more reality on both sides as to where the middle is, and I don't think I said I was optimistic, I'm not optimistic, but that's what a difficult negotiation usually details.”
The last time there was an NFL players strike was 1987, which lead to owners conducting three games with strike-replacement players. Gene Upshaw says there is no chance of strike before 2008, but unless there is an extension, 2006 will be the last season with a salary cap.
Says the Commissioner, “I don't think that negotiations are going very well right now, I guess that's how I would put it. There needs to be an additional dose of reality on both sides of the table. I think that to some degree positions are hardening when they shouldn't be hardening.”
The union claims payrolls have been restricted, due to the current salary cap structure.
“What's keeping us apart is our percentage, and it has to begin with a 6. When you’re not paying your fair share on players, I have a problem with it, and other members of the union have a problem with it. And every player in the National Football League has a problem with it, and that's what we have to address, and that's what we are addressing,” says Upshaw. “We just were able to get a 24-billion dollar contract from the broadcast partners, and I know if you paid that kind of money, you bought prime rib, and they don't want to see hot dogs.”
Upshaw seemed to draw a line in the sand, saying, “Either they want to have a system, or they don't want to have one, but either way, either way, if we get through the uncapped year, and we go to the uncapped year, we won't come back.”
Upshaw says he will do what he has to do to protect the players rights, even if it means decertification of the union. That way, he says the owners won’t have a union to lock out. “They have to have a union to lock us out, and we will not be a union if we get to 2008,” he says.
So what happens next is anyone’s guess, but right now, the players union and the owners are not on the same page. The bottom line is that league revenues have skyrocketed, and the players union wants its members to have a bigger share.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Dallas Stars Hope Olympic Break Doesn't Stop Their Hot Streak
The NHL will be taking a long break in February, and they can thank the Olympics in Torino for that. In fact, after their workout on Wednesday February 8th, the Dallas Stars won't play in Dallas again, until March 4th. Their next three games are on the road, followed by an 18-day Olympic break.
“The schedule has bit crazy with the Olympic break in it, and our schedule coming out of the Olympic break is very tough,” says Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett, “So hopefully we get away for a few days and physically and mentally rest up, and be ready for real long stretch drive.”
Seven players are head to the Olympics, but how the Stars come out of the break may dictate how well they're positioned for the playoffs.
Says Stars Center Mike Modano, “The guys are looking forward to the break, get away, and get some rest, and get healed up, a lot of guys are looking forward to it. It probably comes at a good time, even though there is about a month and a half of the season afterwards. You can make a big strong push when you come back.”
Goaltender Marty Turco shares similar thoughts. “I think the reason why we're in this position, is because we really don't talk about where we're at in the standings, we know and appreciate our goals. They're clearly defined, but this team has been putting its work boots on, win or lose, rain or shine, everyday.”
Thanks to the lockout, the Stars had the entire year off last year, so it’s not like the 52-games so far, have worn them out.
“If we were grinding it out, four years straight, and every four years you got this 19-day break, it would be nice,” says Left Wing Brenden Morow. “But yeah, we're well rested.”
Before this team scatters before the Olympics and exotic vacations, they do have three more games to play, all on the road, but then a long wait that they hope won't cool a hot season.
“The schedule has bit crazy with the Olympic break in it, and our schedule coming out of the Olympic break is very tough,” says Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett, “So hopefully we get away for a few days and physically and mentally rest up, and be ready for real long stretch drive.”
Seven players are head to the Olympics, but how the Stars come out of the break may dictate how well they're positioned for the playoffs.
Says Stars Center Mike Modano, “The guys are looking forward to the break, get away, and get some rest, and get healed up, a lot of guys are looking forward to it. It probably comes at a good time, even though there is about a month and a half of the season afterwards. You can make a big strong push when you come back.”
Goaltender Marty Turco shares similar thoughts. “I think the reason why we're in this position, is because we really don't talk about where we're at in the standings, we know and appreciate our goals. They're clearly defined, but this team has been putting its work boots on, win or lose, rain or shine, everyday.”
Thanks to the lockout, the Stars had the entire year off last year, so it’s not like the 52-games so far, have worn them out.
“If we were grinding it out, four years straight, and every four years you got this 19-day break, it would be nice,” says Left Wing Brenden Morow. “But yeah, we're well rested.”
Before this team scatters before the Olympics and exotic vacations, they do have three more games to play, all on the road, but then a long wait that they hope won't cool a hot season.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
UT Grad Casey Hampton Gets Super Bowl Ring
Amid the confetti and post game celebrations of Super Bowl XL, Pittsburgh Steelers Nose Tackle Casey Hampton was helping to make 2006, the year of the horns. After all, he is a graduate of The University of Texas.
His alma mater won a national championship in January, and on Sunday in Detroit, Hampton secured a title of his own.
How does it feel to see your school win a championship, and now get one as well? “Hey, its big, you know, I couldn’t let those boys get one, and I don’t,” said Hampton. “Now, when I go back and see their ring, I'm going to have one to show them too.”
Hampton, who grew up in Galveston, had four tackles, including a sack. He is making his second trip to the Pro Bowl this week and fulfilled his wish of getting his ring before two other UT grads, playing for Seattle.
Those two are Marcus Tubbs a Defensive Tackle of Desoto, and D.D. Lewis, a Linebacker from Houston. Said Tubbs, “You know it hurts a little bit, but he's got the bragging rights about that. At the same time I know we'll be back here pretty soon. Here with the Seahawks, we're building a team that's going to be recognized with for years to come.”
D.D. Lewis was just as sad as Tubbs, by not winning a Championship. “I'm happy for him, you know, I really am. But I would love to just be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy.”
Hampton was very upbeat, celebrating with his wife and his young son who he was holding in his arms. “Hey man, you know, they're young, they got a long way to go, and I do too, but you know it just feels good to get one, hopefully one day, they'll get them one too,” said Hampton.
So the rivalry within the championship goes to Hampton this time around, but rest assured that Tubbs and Lewis will keep their champagne on ice, with hopes of opening it in Miami next year.
His alma mater won a national championship in January, and on Sunday in Detroit, Hampton secured a title of his own.
How does it feel to see your school win a championship, and now get one as well? “Hey, its big, you know, I couldn’t let those boys get one, and I don’t,” said Hampton. “Now, when I go back and see their ring, I'm going to have one to show them too.”
Hampton, who grew up in Galveston, had four tackles, including a sack. He is making his second trip to the Pro Bowl this week and fulfilled his wish of getting his ring before two other UT grads, playing for Seattle.
Those two are Marcus Tubbs a Defensive Tackle of Desoto, and D.D. Lewis, a Linebacker from Houston. Said Tubbs, “You know it hurts a little bit, but he's got the bragging rights about that. At the same time I know we'll be back here pretty soon. Here with the Seahawks, we're building a team that's going to be recognized with for years to come.”
D.D. Lewis was just as sad as Tubbs, by not winning a Championship. “I'm happy for him, you know, I really am. But I would love to just be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy.”
Hampton was very upbeat, celebrating with his wife and his young son who he was holding in his arms. “Hey man, you know, they're young, they got a long way to go, and I do too, but you know it just feels good to get one, hopefully one day, they'll get them one too,” said Hampton.
So the rivalry within the championship goes to Hampton this time around, but rest assured that Tubbs and Lewis will keep their champagne on ice, with hopes of opening it in Miami next year.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2006 Includes Two Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XL in Detroit ended a 27-year wait for Dallas Cowboys Offensive Tackle Rayfield Wright. He retired in 1979, but after being a finalist in 2004, he was finally voted into the NFL Hall of fame. He can thank to the Seniors Committee, which can add players they feel have been overlooked.
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman was also voted in the Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility, becoming the second Cowboys quarterback to enter the Hall. Roger Staubach is already in the NFL Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1985.
Talk about a bias against the Cowboys overshadowed the days leading up to the vote, which failed to make Wide Receiver Michael Irvin a Hall of Famer. One member of the committee, indicated he was a “great player,” but that the class of 2006, consisted of “great, great, great players.” The feeling is that his time will come.
Others elected were Head Coach John Madden, Linebacker Harry Carson, Quarterback Warren Moon, and Defensive End Reggie White.
Said Wright, “I never dreamed I would be a professional football player, and didn’t even want to play football. I am so overwhelmed at this time, and so honored.”
Wright couldn’t hold back his excitement and emotions after a long, long wait. The converted tight end recalled his first assignment as a Cowboys tackle, and was called upon to block Deacon Jones, perhaps the greatest defensive end ever. “I kind of wanted to change my mind,” he joked.
Like Wright, Madden was also elected by the seniors committee. Madden was hired as head coach of the Oakland Raiders at age 32. Over the next 10 seasons he compiled a .759 regular season winning percentage, the highest in NFL history of any coach with 100 career wins.
The six-man class was elected by the Hall of Fame’s 39-member Selection Committee. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 15 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.
Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories during his 12-season career. His 90 wins during the 1990s makes him the winningest quarterback of any decade in NFL history. Aikman was elected to six Pro Bowls in his career.
Aikman credited his coaches and teammates, mentioning in particular Emmitt Smith, the NFL's career rushing leader, and Irvin. Both were present during the announcement. "When I think of all the great players who have played the game over the history of it," Aikman said, "to be considered one of the great players that helped define the game itself, it is a humbling experience."
Irvin failed to make the final six in his second year of eligibility, but he didn’t take it nearly as hard as last year.
Smith, a strong supporter of his former teammate, said the panel of 39 media members who vote were swayed against Irvin because of his off-field problems, including pleading no contest to felony cocaine possession in exchange for four years of deferred probation, a $10,000 fine and dismissal of misdemeanor marijuana possession charges. However, the Hall's voting bylaws preclude consideration of non-football issues. The members I talked to said his off the field problems weren’t a factor.
"Any level of disappointment I have is undermined by my joy for Troy," Irvin said. "Last year this time, I was in my room crying. I couldn't move. Now, I'm out here and I'm going to laugh and enjoy this moment for Troy. "It's not about me, it's about Troy. When you show highlights of Troy, your going to have to show me, so I’m happy for him."
Carson made his presence felt during his 13 seasons as a linebacker with the New York Giants. Voted to nine Pro Bowls, he recovered 14 fumbles during his career that spanned from 1976 to 1988.
White began his career in the USFL, but by the time he was finished in the NFL, he'd gone to 13 straight Pro Bowls and been chosen for the league's 75th anniversary team.
As for the Cowboys, the induction of Aikman and Wright, gives the Cowboys seven players in the Hall of Fame. They include Bob Lilly 1980, Roger Staubach 1985, Randy White and Tony Dorsett, both in 1994, and Mel Renfro 1996. Tom Landry was inducted as a Head Coach in 1990, and Tex Schramm in 1991 as the teams President and General Manager.
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman was also voted in the Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility, becoming the second Cowboys quarterback to enter the Hall. Roger Staubach is already in the NFL Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1985.
Talk about a bias against the Cowboys overshadowed the days leading up to the vote, which failed to make Wide Receiver Michael Irvin a Hall of Famer. One member of the committee, indicated he was a “great player,” but that the class of 2006, consisted of “great, great, great players.” The feeling is that his time will come.
Others elected were Head Coach John Madden, Linebacker Harry Carson, Quarterback Warren Moon, and Defensive End Reggie White.
Said Wright, “I never dreamed I would be a professional football player, and didn’t even want to play football. I am so overwhelmed at this time, and so honored.”
Wright couldn’t hold back his excitement and emotions after a long, long wait. The converted tight end recalled his first assignment as a Cowboys tackle, and was called upon to block Deacon Jones, perhaps the greatest defensive end ever. “I kind of wanted to change my mind,” he joked.
Like Wright, Madden was also elected by the seniors committee. Madden was hired as head coach of the Oakland Raiders at age 32. Over the next 10 seasons he compiled a .759 regular season winning percentage, the highest in NFL history of any coach with 100 career wins.
The six-man class was elected by the Hall of Fame’s 39-member Selection Committee. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 15 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.
Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories during his 12-season career. His 90 wins during the 1990s makes him the winningest quarterback of any decade in NFL history. Aikman was elected to six Pro Bowls in his career.
Aikman credited his coaches and teammates, mentioning in particular Emmitt Smith, the NFL's career rushing leader, and Irvin. Both were present during the announcement. "When I think of all the great players who have played the game over the history of it," Aikman said, "to be considered one of the great players that helped define the game itself, it is a humbling experience."
Irvin failed to make the final six in his second year of eligibility, but he didn’t take it nearly as hard as last year.
Smith, a strong supporter of his former teammate, said the panel of 39 media members who vote were swayed against Irvin because of his off-field problems, including pleading no contest to felony cocaine possession in exchange for four years of deferred probation, a $10,000 fine and dismissal of misdemeanor marijuana possession charges. However, the Hall's voting bylaws preclude consideration of non-football issues. The members I talked to said his off the field problems weren’t a factor.
"Any level of disappointment I have is undermined by my joy for Troy," Irvin said. "Last year this time, I was in my room crying. I couldn't move. Now, I'm out here and I'm going to laugh and enjoy this moment for Troy. "It's not about me, it's about Troy. When you show highlights of Troy, your going to have to show me, so I’m happy for him."
Carson made his presence felt during his 13 seasons as a linebacker with the New York Giants. Voted to nine Pro Bowls, he recovered 14 fumbles during his career that spanned from 1976 to 1988.
White began his career in the USFL, but by the time he was finished in the NFL, he'd gone to 13 straight Pro Bowls and been chosen for the league's 75th anniversary team.
As for the Cowboys, the induction of Aikman and Wright, gives the Cowboys seven players in the Hall of Fame. They include Bob Lilly 1980, Roger Staubach 1985, Randy White and Tony Dorsett, both in 1994, and Mel Renfro 1996. Tom Landry was inducted as a Head Coach in 1990, and Tex Schramm in 1991 as the teams President and General Manager.
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