NFL News and Notes: Cheating, Injuries, and Unlikely Heroes

Strategic Insights -

University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez's emotional defense against NCAA practice-time rule accusations has some fans wondering if the program might have cheated. Meanwhile, Terrell Owens is back on the Buffalo Bills' practice field working on his return from a toe injury. ESPN analyst Lou Holtz is making some bold predictions, including a Notre Dame appearance in the Bowl Championship Series title game. In other news, gold medal swimmer Dawn Fraser, 71, fought off a home invader in Australia and Haley, the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie coach, has fired his offensive coordinator and taken on the role himself.

Key Takeaways:

  • University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez was on the verge of tears while defending his program against NCAA practice-time rule accusations.
  • Terrell Owens is back on the Buffalo Bills' practice field working on his return from a toe injury.
  • ESPN analyst Lou Holtz has predicted a Notre Dame appearance in the Bowl Championship Series title game.
  • Kansas City Chiefs rookie coach Todd Haley has fired his offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey, and taken on the role himself.
  • The New England Patriots have cut Tom Brady's backup quarterback, Kevin O'Connell.
  • University of South Florida defensive end George Selvie improved his footwork by playing the video game "Dance Dance Revolution".
  • Shaquille O'Neal was ticketed by Los Angeles police for "impeding the reasonable movement of traffic" after being stopped on Thursday.

Statistics:

  • The Kansas City Chiefs are 0-3 in the preseason and have scored only two touchdowns.
  • The New England Patriots have decided to cut Tom Brady's backup quarterback, Kevin O'Connell.
  • University of South Florida defensive end George Selvie has improved his footwork by playing "Dance Dance Revolution" for an unspecified amount of time.
  • Shaquille O'Neal has been prevented from freely moving around traffic by police.

Sources:

  • Regina Hayes, "Reggie Hayes' Sports Commentary", The News-Sentinel, September 1, 2009.
  • ESPN, as referenced in Regina Hayes' article.