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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rayfield Wright Awaits A Call From The NFL Hall of Fame

Rayfield Wright remains an intimidating figure, but apparently not intimidating enough to be in the NFL Hall of Fame. Wright, who was an Offensive Tackle for the Cowboys from 1967-79, was moved to the seniors list this year, to increase his chances of being selected. The list is designed to catch players, who were overlooked. Still, he has no guarantees.

“I don't think there is any assurance with these guys,” says Wright. “I really don't. I wish we could predict but you can't. I'm happy that I have the opportunity to come back again so early.”

Wright's credentials are indisputable. He played in five super bowls, helping Dallas win two. Known as the “Big Cat”, Wright earned first or second team All-NFL honors six consecutive years from 1971-76.

Cowboys running back Preston Pearson, who played for the Cowboys from 1975-80, things a bias against Dallas is still there. “Rayfields’ chances, believe it or not, after twenty years of trying to get in there, are probably as good as anybody's,” he says. “They know they've missed him, for at least the last ten years, and there is no earthly reason why Rayfield Wright should not be in the hall of fame, come on.”

Jim Myers, Wright's offensive line coach who watched him block for a Cowboys offense that won two super bowls, shares the same sentiments and feels Wright should have been in the Hall of Fame a long time ago.

Says Myers, “He had the talent, had skills, and he knew how to used them. You know his first game was against Deacon Jones and he shut Deacon out. He came to Dallas as a Split End and a Weak Safety, and they tried to make a Tight End out of him, tried to make a defensive guy out of him, but he came over to the offensive line and made a coach out of me,” he says laughing.

Mel Renfro, a Cowboys Cornerback from 1964-77, feels Wright’s induction is longer overdue. “I'd love it. I think there are few more Cowboys that should be in the hall of fame. You know, we lost Bob Hayes, but Bob Hayes should be there. Ed Jones, Harvey martin, we just had tremendous players that should be there, but aren't,” he says.

“You know they say, there is any bias against the cowboys, well yes, there would have to be,” Renfro continues. “I don't know it is, but it is. We've got five players in the Hall of Fame, and Tex Schramm and Cach Landry, that's it. It took me 14-years to get in, there is a bias. If someone did an investigation and found out what that was or why it came about, that would be a great story.”

Says Wright, “You look at all the great players we've had from Bob Hayes, and Jetrho Pughs, and the Leroy Jordans, Chuck Howleys, you know and all these guys, and none of these guys are there, you know, so you kind of wonder whether there is a bias or not.”

So what happens next? Wright is keeping his fingers crossed.

II don't really know what to say,” he says. “I remember last year, or two years ago, and I was really, really excited, you know. I'm still excited a little bit, but you know, I just don't want to get crushed like I was two years ago.

Wright is not a shoe in for the hall of fame, apparently no one ever is, but he should be. We know he's close and next weekend, we'll see if he's close enough to get in.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Tests Tires For Goodyear

Dale Earnhardt Jr was testing tires for Goodyear at the Texas Motor Speedway Tuesday, but NASCAR rules have greatly reduced individual team testing. “I'm all for it, testing is ah, you know, to be quite frank, testing is one of the most boring things we do,” he said laughing.

The 2006 season is almost here. “It’ll be here before you know it,” said Earnhardt. But because of the changes in testing at tracks, this will be Earnhardt’s only trip to Texas for testing, until they race in April.

Last year, was Earnhardt's sixth season as a Cup driver, but statistically, it was his worst. He finished 19th, down three from his rookie season, and missed the chase for the Nextel Cup. He's been reuinted with his hold Crew Chief, Tony Eury Jr, one of a many changes at Dale Earnhardt Incorportated.

“Its good to be partnered back with the team that I was with when i had my past success,” says Earnhardt. “We got a couple of extra guys that came from the team that I ran with last year, and everybody seems really excited about how things are going so far.”

Things certainly couldn't get much worse after a year where the number-8 car found victory lane only once. The focus now is on a turnaround.

Says Earnhardt, “This is a big deal for all of us, our cars are really coming together. I mean I'm going out there and running some wicked fast laps, with ease, the car is really fun to driver, that says a lot about our potential and our chances this season.”

When the first group of Cup teams that reported to Daytona International Speedway to complete their three-day test, they will not be able to test at the track at any other point during the season.

The Cup series has six tests scheduled this season. They include Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Richmond, Va., and Homestead, Fl. The Busch Series has four, including Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Richmond.

In 2005, teams were limited to five two-day tests and four one-day tests. Rookies weregetting seven two-day tests and five one-day tests. Tests at tracks not used in the series did not count against the limit, a policy that remains unchanged.
The biggest impact, may be on the rookies, who will miss valuable track time.

As for Earnhardt, his goal is to be back in the chase for the Nextel Cup this year. He didn't make it last year, and missing it two straight years, would be unacceptable.

By the way, Goodyear didn't want us covering this session of tire testing. Not sure why, like reporters can tell what kind of compound their using.

College Football Coaches May Change Replay Guidelines

The National Football League adopted limited use of instant replay in 1986, but today twenty years later, its still not perfect. No where was it more apparent than in the NFL divisional playoff game between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

The call proved to be grossly inaccurate: “After reviewing the play, the defender caught the ball, lost it prior to getting his knee off the ground, therefore, its an incomplete pass,” announced Pete Morelli.

But the NFL said his review was wrong, and the initial call on the field was right.

In College, the American Football coaches association is surveying their members this month, to see if they prefer to keep it their way, or adopted the NFL method.

Charlie Weiss, the Head Coach at Notre Dame says, “The one thing about being in the NFL, you knew that he rules were going to be the same, every week, and I think that would be a good thing for college football, if the rules were the same every week.”

Joe Paterno, Head Coach at Penn State, likes the idea. “I think the replay is a good deal, now whether is perfect right now, whether we ought to have a red flag, from the coaches, I've been against that,” he says.

In College system is not based on challenges by the coaches can cost timeouts. Unlike the NFL, there are unlimited replays, all determined by an official in the booth. It began as an experiment in the Big 10 2-years ago.

Says Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel, “There’s some pros and cons to it if you’re going to have it. You know our Big 10 model, which was adopted by the rest of the country this year, I think Its as good as perhaps you can get. I'm kind of old fashioned, and believe in the human part of the game, and if they changed over every mistake I made as a coach, they'd be stopping every play. So I don't know, the jury is probably still out in my mind, do we really need replay

Paterno remains in support, saying “Basically, all we want to do is we want the kids to win the game, you don't want the officials to lose the game, that’s not it, and the officials don't want to lose the game, but we put them in positions sometimes where its impossible for them to be on top of every play, its too wide open.

In this year's national championship game between Texas and Southern Cal, Texas would have lost an interception by Michael Griffin, if the instant replay booth had not stepped in. But later, a monitor malfunction kept officials from seeing a replay when Vince Young's knee was down on a lateral that lead to a touchdown. This turned out to be a technical meltdown, not a fault of the system.

Says Texas Head Coach Mack Brown, “I'd like to see us tweak it. I'd like to see us all do the exact same thing, but i thought it was an overwhelming success with a few glitches. And we used to talk about the officials making a mistake, and now we talked about one where the review maybe didn't look like it should have instead of four calls that officials made to lose the game, but I thought it took a tremendous amount of press off the officials.”

“All you want in a game is a fair fight,” says TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson. “I think that's all coaches want, that it doesn't come down to some bit technicality, of where something happened where there was a fifth down or something, where you didn't have control of it, and couldn't stop to review it, and get it right, and I think that's all we're really looking for.”

“You would expect it to ah, improve, and again, realize it was just our first year of using it, its still better than not having it at all I believe, but hopefully we can make it better, says Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops. “There is no question it can be better, and you would think that, you know it’s our first year of everybody using it, that we'll tweak it, try to make some changes, and hopefully improve it.”

During the next few weeks, College Coaches will be trying to decide how to tweak their replay system, but history shows that no matter what they do, no system will be perfect.