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CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED, NOVEMBER 1, 2006

FINAL WAVE OF MISCELLANEOUS CAA-CAA

From a reader:  "From my perspective, your coming of age came when you beat the big boys to the story that the Vikings would trade Randy Moss to the Raiders.  Not only did you get it right, you nailed it right down to the exact compensation package.  It was a big story and you scooped them all by a full day or two.  From then on, you had clout in the football world and could not be simply dismissed as some blogger with an imagination."

And another one:  "Somebody told me your page is free.  When can I pick him up?  Signed, Mark Foley."

We like this one:  "Today is the Saints 40th birthday and they still have not won a super bowl.  PFT, on the other hand, is only five and is the Super Bowl winner of pro football websites.  Congrats!"

Another one:  "Congratulations on your 7th anniversary!  You guys are the best source of baseball gossip on the radio.  Signed, Joe Theismann."

From a Pats fan who is wondering whether it might be inappropriate to jeer Adam Vinatieri this weekend:  "Thanks for reminding me this is a league where coaches are driving around naked, players are driving around drunk, either as or with fugitives, those that aren't are overdosing, vomiting on roadsides, and defecating in laundry baskets, and all while team executives are throwing people against a wall, falsifying their resumes, or playing petty games with the injury reports.  Now I totally understand why simply booing a former player returning to beat my team this week would show how 'classless' we fans are."

Another one:  "In honor of your fifth birthday, I am petitioning the city of Philadelphia to replace the statue of Ben Franklin with one of you.  Signed, Mike Tirico."

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JETS-BROWNS CALL STILL SEEMS NO DIFFERENT THAN CARDINALS-VIKINGS

In our Week Eight PFT Ten-Pack, we compared the botched call at the conclusion of  the Jets-Browns game, in which the officials concluded that tight end Chris Baker was not pushed out by a couple of defenders on a catch that could have tied the game, to a play from December 2003, in which the Cardinals beat the Vikings on a crazy fourth-and-25 play, when receiver Nate Poole caught the ball at the back of the end zone and was pushed out by a couple of defenders.

In the 2003 case, the play was reviewed.  In Sunday's Jets-Browns game, it wasn't.

Throughout Wednesday, we received multiple e-mails from Vikings fans who claimed that the play was reviewed not to confirm that Poole would have gotten his feet in bounds if not pushed out, but whether Poole maintained possession as he was pushed out.

But then we watched with great interest the explanation offered up by NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira on Wednesday's Total Access, in which he bloviated (thanks for expanding our vocabumalary, Tiki) regarding his belief that the play is not reviewable because various aspects of such a call involve the judgment of the officials -- whether there was an effort to force the player out, whether he would have gotten his feet in bounds, and whether he sufficiently possessed the ball.

That's fine, but it still doesn't explain to us why the Poole play was reviewed by replay, and why the more recent play wasn't.

To make matters even more mystifying, we checked with KFAN's Paul Allen, who handles the play-by-play for the Vikings radio broadcasts (and he also calls a mean sausage race).  Paul tells us that the replay review confirmed that Poole was forced out, and that possession of the ball was never in question.

So for now there's no difference, in our mind, between the plays.

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BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

We got hundreds of e-mails today from readers, and we posted several of them here.  We also got a few e-mails from some of the radio hosts with whom we appear.  Though privately heard from several of our sources, they generally asked not to be identified as having congratulated us for fear of being "outed."

But we've finally heard from a real, live NFL guy who shared with us some good wishes.  Even though he's the subject of one of our carefully crafted nicknames.

Saints special teams coach John Bonamego, whom we dubbed "Mini Me" based on his resemblance to "actor" Vern Troyer, sent us this note:  "Congratulations on completing your 5th year.  I have always enjoyed your site and remained a fan even after the few occasions when I was the one being ripped. . . .  Keep up the good work."

It's quite a magnanimous gesture from John, given that we called for his ouster from the Packers in January 2004.

Bonamego also pointed out to us that, when recently identifying three former West Virginia University players who have been suspended this year (Jerry Porter, Chris Henry, and Pacman Jones), we somehow overlooked punter Todd Sauerbrun.

(Our stoopidity in this regard is ironic, since we were the ones who broke the news that Sauerbrun was getting suspended.)

Thanks again, John.  And it's not too late for others out there who read the site to admit it.  As one of our sources told us tonight:  "Your site is a winner.  It’s only going to get better and better.  The people in the NFL who say they don't read it are lying." 

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WE'RE BACK WITH MORE RANDOM CRAP

The Colts and the Pats each have listed 17 players as questionable for this month's Game of the Century.

More love on our anniversary:  "As a proud partner of PFT.com, Sunday Night Football congratulates you on your 5th anniversary.  We certainly hope that you found our 24 hours of sponsorship instrumental in the site's success.  Signed, NBC."

Ron Borges' choice of beverage is kinda gay.

Larry Jonson is the AFC offensive player of the week; even more amazing to us is the fact that LaDainian Tomlinson wasn't one of the nominees for the award.

The Poobah celebrated the fifth anniversary of the site by pausing to take a couple of minutes stretched out on the couch, and fell asleep for like an hour and a half. 

Mike Vick is the NFC offensive player of the week.  We're always happy when a running back wins the award.

The NFC defensive player of the week is Aaron Kampman of the Packers; we think that guys on the team that plays the Cardinals should be ineligible to win the award.

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EVEN STILL EVEN MORE STILL RANDOM CRAP

The Tuna on Jets RB Curtis Martin:  "He doesn't deserve a funeral," Parcells said. "He deserves a parade."

Could the Giants look outside the organization for a new G.M.?

Fins OL L.J. Shelton says he gladly accepted a move from left tackle to right guard.

From a reader:  "I got five years, too.  See you on your tenth birthday.  Signed, Maurice Clarett."

On NFL Live, Sean Salisbury says that he has "bone-to-bone" in his own knee, curiously avoiding the awkward connotations of "bone-on-bone."

On NFL Live, Trey Wingo of ESPN says that Curtis Martin has a "bone-on-bone" condition in his knee.  Brian Kinchen says, "That's gotta hurt."

Reader:  "Congrats on five years of your bullsh-t bullsh-t."

Former Cardinals offensive coordinator Keith Rowen has withdrawn his grievance against the Cardinals.

There's a very disturbing report on Outside the Lines regarding ongoing prayers for Barbaro.  (Dammit, people, there are dogs to feed!)

From a reader:  "Great job lasting longer than us!  Signed, Ryan Leaf, Brian Bosworth, Lawrence Phillips, Heath Shuler, Akili Smith, Andre Ware, Rae Carruth."

Great line from Cam Inman of the Contra Costa Times:  "The St. Louis Cardinals' improbable run to the World Series crown should remind everyone what the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers also did:  Teams that get hot at the right time win championships, and those that don't are called the Indianapolis Colts."

From a reader:  "Congratulations on five years.  I have been with you for four years, the same as my wife.  She has never really appreciated the fact that I have more interest in what you have to say than what she has to say."

Reader:  "Happy anniversary.  Can I crash at your place tonight?  Signed, Michael Strahan."

Another one:  "Thanks, guys.  The site is great.  Just haven't decided whether or not I will keep reading it next year.  Signed, Brett Favre."

Here's a real one:  "I wonder how productive I'd be if i wasn't, ya know, reading your stoooopid site so often.  Happy B-day to a 5-year-old site with a 5-year-old's sense of humor.  Tom Curran, NBCSports.com."

And here's another real one:  "Been reading every day since I found the site in 2003, when your completion percentage wasn't quite as Montana-like.  Keep churning out the scoops and laughs.  Gregg Rosenthal, NBCSports.com/Rotoworld.com."

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MERRIMAN SAYS HE WAS TAKING SUPPLEMENT FOR 1.5 YEARS

We saw moments ago on NFLN video of linebacker Shawne Merriman's recent press conference, during which he addressed his decision to withdraw the appeal of his four-game suspension for violation of the steroids policy.

During the presser, Merriman said that he had been taking the substance for one-and-a-half years.

Curiously, however, his web site still contains a statement from Merriman that he is not taking any supplements.

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JAGS LIED ABOUT LEFTWICH, AGAIN?

Information we're picking up out of Jacksonville strongly suggests that the powers-that-be with the local pro football team were speaking with forked tongue regarding the real reason for the presence of quarterback David Garrard in the starting lineup on Sunday against the Eagles.

We're told that, at the same time the team was saying that the availability of (former) starter Byron Leftwich would be a game-time decision, Garrard and Leftwich were informed on Thursday that Garrard would get the start.

As a result, the expectation in Jacksonville is that, this week, Del Rio will term Leftwich's status a game-time decision again, and that Garrard will play.

From our perspective, it's a no-brainer.  With Leftwich at the helm, the Jags lost by 20 to the Texans.  With Garrard, the Jags beat the Eagles in Philly.

Last time we checked, the goal of the sport is to win games.  Garrard, for now, seems to be giving the team a better shot at doing it. 

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STILL EVEN MORE RANDOM CRAP

We like this one:  "You are the NCAA basketball tournament and the rest of the sites are the BCS."

From a reader:  "Congrats on the fifth year of the site I knew it would be a success when I founded PFT back in 2001.  Signed, Fran Foley."

We share a birthday with the dude from the Chili Peppers.

TacoBill tells us that the site was also founded on the anniversary of the forward pass.

From radio host and former Jags linebacker Tom McManus:  Congrats on #5 Mike!  You guys rock and your 'take no sh-t from anyone' attitude fits perfect with The Rumble on ESPN Radio in Jacksonville."

This one sums it up pretty well:  "PFT is our crack, we are your loyal Michael Irvins."

The Giants have signed LB Chris Claiborne, a first-round draft pick in 1999.

Says a reader:  "I was accessing your site on my Sprint phone when I ran into that car.  Signed, Ben Roethlisberger."

From a reader:  "After five long years you have risen to the top of my 'must read' list . . . .  I now print out your 10-packs and take them to the crapper with me at work."  (Just don't try to return the paper at Brentano's.)

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TITANS TO SUSPEND JONES FOR JACKSONVILLE GAME

Despite reports that the Titans might suspend cornerback Pacman Jones for multiple games, the Nashville Tennessean reports that the No. 6 overall pick in the 2005 draft will miss, involuntarily, Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Jones was cited over the weekend for spitting in a woman's face at a Nashville club last week.

Per the report, Jones also will be fined.

It's unclear whether the suspension is with or without pay.  It's also not known whether Jones will file a grievance, since an argument can be made that only the league office may impose discipline for players who get in trouble off of the field.

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EVEN MORE RANDOM CRAP

A reader sends photographic proof of how his addiction to this site has ruined his F5 key.

Here's a great Tank McNamara from Tuesday:

Here's some video Larry Johnson impersonating Herm Edwards.

A legit message from Mike Dempsey of 1460 ESPN Radio in Jacksonville:  "Congratulations on your fifth anniversary.  It's amazing that you could last so long considering no one reads your site . . . at least that is what the NFL and the 'real media' would have us believe."

Our take on the flap between Drew Brees and his mom?  We think he's never gotten over the fact that he was born with a pizza bubble on his face.  (Says a reader:  "Pizza bubble?  I thought it was a tattoo of a piece of poop.")

We think this one came from the folks at Dunder Mifflin:  "The staff at my office would like to thank you for bringing productivity to new lows and for making them better informed than the entire MNF crew."

We finally hear from Tiki Barber, via a reader:  "I believe your weblog to be astoundingly adroit, facetiously vocalizing of course."

Michelle Tafoya sends in a question:  "What was going through your head when you created PFT?"

And we get a note from Najeh Davenport:  "Congratulations on the fifth birthday of ProFootballTalk.com.  I made you a nice birthday present.  It's in the laundry basket."

Here's a real one, from our buddy Mike Gill at ESPN 1450 in Atlantic City:  "Happy B-Day to a fellow WVU 'Eer.  One of the best if not the best guest we have had on the show since we started here.  The only guest who could make mention of Dr. Nick Riviera of The Simpsons as to clearing T.O. to play in the Super Bowl for the Eagles.  [We] still get people who bring that up."

From Benjamin Alamar, the Editor of the Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports (we checked it out -- it's real):  "My daily visit to your site is a constant reminder to me that all of my calculations are one four-game suspension or Love Boat cruise away from being very wrong."

Coach Chin says that it's not appropriate to blame, you know, the starting quarterback of a 2-5 team. 

MARTIN OUT FOR 2006

In a move that would hardly be characterized as surprising (especially in a season that has involved a coach driving naked, a receiver overdosing on pain medicine, and a coach's wife suing over buying a rat with a salad around it), Jets running back Curtis Martin won't play in 2006.

Although Jets coach Eric Mangini would not rule out a return by Martin in 2007, the veteran ball-carrier will have to grow some cartilage in his knee in order to have a chance at being productive.

So there is one running back in New York who wants to play but can't, and another running back in New York who can play but won't, as of 2007.

Of the two guys, it's obvious to us which one has a true passion for the sport. 

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MORE RANDOM STUFF

Vikings coach Brad Childress is sticking with QB Brad Johnson, but it's pretty clear that if Johnson continues to make dumb decisions with the ball the only decision he'll be making is whether to stand on the sideline with his helmet on or off.

Rogers Communications Inc. is no longer interested in getting an NFL team in Toronto.

From a reader:  "Part of the reason it took so long for your site to really catch on was because of people like me.  I stumbled onto it three years ago, and loved it.  The problem was that I was gaining valuable knowledge for the fantasy world.  I wasn't about to have my league-mates privy to such info.  But, alas, at the beginning of this season I let them all in on the scoop.  I won the league last year, so I figured it was time. They are all now loyal followers."

From Michael David Smith of FootballOutsiders.com:  "Congratulations on putting together a first-rate web site that is a must-read for football fans.  I can't remember the last time a day has gone by when I haven't checked ProFootballTalk."

Is it too early to call Texans QB David Carr a bust?  (It is too late for the Texans to not draft him?)

Flashback to October 29, 2002 . . . Najeh "Dookie" Davenport on his legal entanglements:  "Where's the evidence? Where's the manure?"

The staunch Redskins defense is suddenly kinda stinky.

Ed Bouchette compares Ben Roethlisberger in 2006 to Tom Brady in 2002.  (The only obvious similarity between the two guys, in our view?  They both have noses.)

Lions LB Alex Lewis (knee) is likely to play on Sunday.

From a reader:  "You guys have all the best qualities of Larry David and Al Michaels.  This consists of the ability to combine humor, intelligence, a detached perspective and just the right amount of self-deprecation with an intelligent delivery lacking in pretense or self-indulgence."  (That means he likes the site, right?) 

From a reader:  "Great site, I read it all the time.  I thought I would stop by for some Purple Drank, spit on a few co-eds, and then jump on my crotch rocket without a helmet in search of a sedan to rear end."

David Climer of the Nashville Tennessean thinks that Titans coach Jeff Fisher will get a contract extension.

A reader:  "PFT is the worst football site on the Internet.  Signed, Joey Sunshine."

A note from a reader in Turkey:  "As a multiple times a day, nay hour, reader I wanted to thank you guys again for being the best outlet into the football world for myself who won't actually be able to sit and watch a whole game until the Christmas day Eagles-Cowboys game."

The Pats have won their last six road games, outscoring opponents 187-71.

The Titans have cut LB Spencer Toone, due to the return of LB Robert Reynolds from a one-game suspension.

A reader:  "PFT is the best football site on the Internet.  Signed, Joey Sunshine."

Tom Brady says that he and Peyton Manning are "buddies."  (Brian Kinchen called to say that's kinda gay.)

Here's something from a guy with a non-traditional media outlet (like us), and his site has been routinely kicking the ass of the print media in Tampa:  "Congrats on producing the best – and funniest – pro football site out there.  A day doesn't go by without me checking ProFootballTalk.com for the latest NFL news, rumors and laughs.  Scott Reynolds, PewterReport.com."

The Pats cut CB Chidi Iwuoma, giving them an empty roster spot.

Here's another one from a reader:  "I have been a constant reader of your site for the last couple of years.  It's nice to have a place that talks football year round so when all the other places are talking baseball in the summer I can come here and get some news on a REAL sport."

The guy who helped select Jerry Angelo to be the G.M. of the Bears in 2001 might now see the franchise that employs him get his ass kicked by the team Angelo has built.

Here's one from some guy named John Kerry:  "You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well.  If you don't, you get stuck in ProFootballTalk."

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WELCOME TO A NEW SPONSOR

You'll be seeing on the right side of the front page and the Rumor Mill (and likely elsewhere on the site), ads for Mike Freeman's new book, Jim Brown: The Fierce Life of an American Hero.   

Mike is a National Columnist with CBSSportsline.com, and he has written two other books, Bloody Sundays and ESPN: The Uncensored History.

Attention football fans.  Buy this book.  For yourself and for any football fans on your Christmas-Hanukah-Chanukkah- Kwanzaa-Festivus list.

We're hoping to get our own copy of it soon. 

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IRVIN WAS RIGHT ABOUT TIKI?

In our most recent PFT Ten-Pack we addressed last week's brouhaha between Giants running back Tiki Barber and ESPN's Michael Irvin, which culminated in a rambling statement read by Irvin during Sunday NFL Countdown, which in our view was a fancy way of Irvin telling Tiki, "Look at my rings, bitch."

The problem began when Irvin said on Monday, October 23 that Tiki is "quitting," not retiring.

Based on a comment that Barber himself might describe as "facetious" or "collegial" or "kinda gay," it could be that Irvin has a point.

Regarding the fact that Brandon Jacobs has assumed the goal-line duties for the G-men, Barber has said:  "Obviously with the way [the Buccaneers] were playing, there were no holes.  Might as well put Brandon in there to bang up against them instead of me."

(After all, Barber might have been thinking, I ain't gonna be here next year.  So why get myself killed now?)

And Jacobs is indeed a banger.  After busting through the Bucs and scoring his fourth touchdown of the season, Jacobs tucked the ball under the front of his shirt and walked to the sidelines with it bulging over his belly, like a pregnant woman.  He then rubbed the hump some before taking it out.

Our immediate thought?  Jacobs knows that he'll be the guy once Tiki leaves, and that for now the team is merely awaiting Jacobs' ascension.

Really, the guy is a beast.  And we're a firm believer in the fact that there are only a handful of supremely gifted running backs who have ever played the game -- Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders.  For others, like Emmitt Smith, his greatness came from his durability, but his yards came from great blocking.

We think the same applies to Tiki, who has combined durability with good blocking to have a very good career.  Jacobs should do just as well, possibly better.  If he can stay healthy. 

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RANDOM CRAP

At least one reader pointed out to us that ESPN's decision to have Rachel Nichols report from a cemetery on Halloween was a little creepy.

Sean Salisbury is on ESPN for a "Fact or Fiction" segment titled "Trick or Treat", and the host has asked him to reach into his "grab bag".  (We hope Sean's cell phone isn't in there.)

Fact or fiction, Sean -- was you suspended?

Redskins owner Dan Snyder won't talk about the team in order to avoid creating the impression that he's involved in the football operation.

We're getting plenty of e-mails from readers; we got one from one of our sources whom we are reluctant to "out" today.  Said the source, "THE SITE IS AWESOME....THANKS FOR SHARING THE SCOOP AND HAVING SUCH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR IN YOUR WRITING."

(We're still hoping that someone who isn't a source but has some name recognition will send us something.  How about it, Coach Kevlar?  Big Show?  Santurdio?  Pastabelli?)

Former NFL offensive lineman Ray Brown has joined the Redskins as an offensive consultant.

From a reader:  "Great job guys...you guys kick ass and you know it.  Well done...here's a toast to many more years of sarcasm, smart ass remarks and Bill Maas updates!"

Speaking of Bill, there will be no Maas again this weekend on FOX.  (He thinks the decision to put him on ice for so long is "kinda gay.")

Sean Salisbury is on the Budweiser Hot Seat.  Sean -- did you get suspended?

Reggie Bush says he'll play on Sunday against the Bucs.  (Unless they sign Ray Lewis or Bart Scott.)

The Packers have signed RB P.J. Pope from the Bears practice squad.

The Steelers have placed RB Verron Haynes (knee) on IR.

Coach Chin says that he hasn't considered benching Big Ben.

Former Fins RB Jim Kiick, on the Nicktator:  "Saban is like a politician.  He says a lot of words but says nothing.  I don't know half the time what he's saying.  Maybe he's trying to confuse everybody.''

From another reader:  "I laugh out loud at the stuff you write, if it weren't for you I wouldn't have anything good to read each day.  Keep it up!!  Happy 5th Birthday."

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MARTIN ANNOUNCING RETIREMENT TODAY

Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that Jets running back Curtis Martin will announce his retirement today.

Merril Hoge called to say "no sh-t."

Says a reader:  "Unfortunately, Curtis Martin didn't turn out to be the running back Eric Mangini expected him to be when he drafted him.  Signed, Joey Sunshine."

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ESPN SELECTIVELY PLAYS SGT. SCHULZ

In response to our disclosure that ESPN NFL analyst Sean Salisbury recently served a one-week suspension, several readers have sounded off in response to Bristol's official position that it will not comment on personnel matters.

So why was there a guy on SportsCenter talking about the decision to dump ESPNU college football analyst Brian Kinchen for saying "kinda gay" on the air?  (Kinchen, by the way, spent 13 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Dolphins, Browns, Ravens, and Panthers.)  And why were in-house P.R. people publicly talking about it?

Maybe the real policy is that ESPN won't comment on personnel matters that it thinks no one knows about.

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MERRIMAN TAKES HIS MEDICINE (BUT NOT THAT KIND)

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has, as expected, dropped his appeal of the four-game suspension recently imposed on him by the league for violation of the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

Merriman and his lawyer, David "One Year" Cornwell said last week that the 2005 defensive rookie of the year had taken a supplement that was tainted with nandrolone.  Under the policy, however, it's a strict liability standard.  Every player is responsible for what is in his body.  

"Based on the policy," Merriman said Tuesday, "it didn't matter how it got in my system."

Fine, Shawne.  Then why did you appeal in the first place?  Why offer up a flimsy excuse that really didn't provide a defense?

Could it be that Cornwell wanted to help shape the opinion of the public and (more importantly) the media by suggesting that it was a mistake?  If so, it worked.  Based on what we've seen on ESPN, the sock puppets are buying into the notion that Merriman made a mistake, and that he didn't intentionally use steroids.

For example, Tom Jackson said on Sunday NFL Countdown:  "Why would a guy like Shawne Merriman . . . built like he is, and he is a freak, need a supplement?"

Tom, are you retarded?  How do you think Merriman got to be a freak in the first place?  We've heard accounts of the guy packing on upwards of 20 pounds in the weeks before the 2005 draft.  

Back to the dropped appeal, it's obvious that there was some gamesmanship at work here, with the Chargers and Merriman seemingly picking the spot at which the challenge to the positive test would be withdrawn for strategic reasons.  To avoid this kind of stuff in the future, we suggest that the NFL require the player who is appealing a suspension to state the reasons for the appeal immediately.  The NFL then should review the reasons and make a decision as to whether the reason, even if proven, is sufficient to prevail.

In Merriman's case, the appeal had no merit.  Thus, he should have had no ability to delay the suspension.

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Thanks to TacoBill for putting together this montage of some of his best pictures.

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TROTTER SAYS TEAMMATES AREN'T RESPONDING

(Editor's note:  Just as we were getting ready to begin the updates, our program for updating the site crashed.  It's now back up.)

During our Wednesday morning appearance on WIP radio in Philly, Angelo Cataldi and crew played an ominous (for the Eagles) quote from linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who said that prior to Sunday's game against the Eagles it was the first time that he "tried to get guys fired up" and it didn't work.

Our take?  It's another example of life in the new NFL, where the relative talent levels are compressed and the difference between the best team and the worst team isn't as significant as it used to be.

As a result, a bad team can find extra motivation when playing a squad that wears a bull's-eye (the Steelers), and a better team can fall flat when playing a team that it's supposed to beat.

The Jaguars had been drubbed by the lowly Texans, whom the Eagles had drilled earlier in the year.  So why should the Eagles get all worked up about playing them?

After the fact, the Eagles found their answer.  And it's all the more reason that the coaching staff needs to set the right tone week in and week out.  To be successful in the NFL, a team has to beat all of the teams that it should -- and beat some of the teams that it shouldn't.  For the Eagles, the last two losses should have been wins, and those two losses could be the difference between playing football and checkers in January.

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SCOTT SAYS HE DIDN'T TRY TO HURT BUSH

In multiple radio appearances on Tuesday, including a stop by The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio, Ravens linebacker Bart Scott denied that he attempted to injure Saints running back Reggie Bush during a fourth-quarter tackle on Sunday.

"The media darling, [a/k/a] the golden boy of the NFL, tried to take a cheap shot at me, so I told him I was going to put some extra on it," Scott told the Baltimore Sun. "He can do all those shakes he wants, but I wasn't going anywhere.  I put a little hot sauce on that ankle."

Scott said that his use of the term "hot sauce" was a reference to the spicy food served in New Orleans.

Nice try, Bart.  But we ain't buying it.  The truth, in our opinion, is that Scott is trying to put the Tabasco back in the bottle because he fears a fine for his flagrant statement that he tried to cause harm to one of the most marketable players in the league.

Next time, Bart, we suggest claiming that you were misquoted.

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VIKINGS BEATEN, BEATEN UP BY PATS

The 24-point loss suffered by the Vikings on Monday, which was only one point better than the 38-13 beat-down imposed on them a year to the day earlier by the Panthers, might have some lingering consequences.

Several Vikings emerged from the game with injuries. 

Linebacker Napoleon Harris has a dislocated wrist.  Defensive tackle Kevin Williams has a high ankle sprain.  Center Matt Birk has a hyperextended knee.  Defensive tackle Pat Williams has "moderate swelling" in his knee. 

Coach Brad Childress declined to comment on the availability of the players for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

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NEW NAME FOR OLD CORNER

Former Giants cornerback William Peterson, on the shelf for several months, has been signed by the Eagles.

And he has changed his name.

Peterson is now known as William James, after dropping his last name.

Once regarded as a promising young player in New York, Peterson was released after a recurrence of back problems wiped out most of his 2005 season, limiting him to only two games.

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