SONICS BREAKDOWN FOR OCT 12TH

The Sonics open there pre-season tonight in Portland. Let me share a few thoughts about what I have seen from the team thus far in camp.

COACHING
The Bob Weiss lack of discipline angle is being over played. The practices are crisp. The work is getting done. The guy is letting his players wear sweats on long flights. He is letting them have cell phones on the team bus. This is being overblown badly.
Weiss will be different then Nate. That is without question. However, there is as good a chance the players were going turn a deaf ear on Nate as they are to take advantage of Weiss more relaxed demeanor. This team is Ray and Rashard’s team and they will control what the team does.
Furthermore, this staff is fantastic. Bob Hill and Brendan Malone bring an insane amount of experience and expertise. I have been very impressed by Jack Sikma and how hard he has been driving players and Ralph Lewis is going to be a very solid addition.
If they are as good at game preparation will be where they have to match last year’s staff.

PLAYER EVALUATION
Ray Allen is great. How is that for breaking news? Allen got rolling at practice the other day and he was in that Sacramento Game 4 territory.
The one player that has jumped out more then any other is Reggie Evans. Evans has been brilliant in camp. His energy is amazing and the impact he has on every play can’t be underestimated.
Talking to the players they all comment on Luke Ridnour’s increased confidence and that he is nailing the open mid range jumper. The same has been said about Nick Collison.
Flip Murray has looked very good at times in camp. The Sonics are going to give him first shot at the AD combo position. There is a strong belief inside the organization that with extended minutes he will lose some of his negative traits. His one on one skills are remarkable. He took some balls to the rack and finished that most guys in the NBA couldn’t do.
Johan Petro is very good draft pick. That doesn’t mean he will necessarily be a great NBA player. But to get a 7 footer who can move as well as he does, with that size body and wingspan at #25 is a good draft pick regardless of if he makes the league.
Robert Swift has flashed in and out during camp. At times he looks like he is ready. He will grab some two handed rebounds above a crowd and his hands are good inside. However, he doesn’t roll of the pick and roll at all the way JJ could and he will float and get lost for periods of time. He is 19 years old and that is hard to remember.
The one non-roster player I really like is Noel Felix. Felix is 6 foot 9 and has an awesome body. He put on some nice post moves at yesterday’s scrimmage. He guarded Lewis at the 3 very well. He is big enough to play the 4 and his shot looks solid in shooting drills. He was named to the CBA All-Defensive Team after averaging 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks for the Yakima Sun Kings. The knock on him is that when the lights go on in a game he disappears. Pre-season games will be vitally important for him. He was not strong in the Sonics summer league.

MORE GOOD TIMES FOR SCOTT SPIEZIO

IF Scott Spiezio was charged by Chicago police Friday, Oct. 7 for allegedly assaulting a cab driver after a dispute about the fare. According to the police, Spiezio was traveling with a female companion who was also charged for battery. Spiezio was charged with criminal damage to property, theft and simple assault.

This leads to numerous questions. Did he finally connect on something? If the chick he was with also got charged does that mean he is hanging with Chuck Finley's ex-wife? Do you think the the incredible shrinking man could actually take the cabbie?
If you are out of the league are you still tested for roids? This more questions then he had hits.

MIKE HOLMGREN "THE CYNICS ARE GONE"

Here the weekly re-cap of the Wednesday Mike Holmgren presser. This will be known as the “THE CYNICS ARE GONE PRESS CONFERENCE.”

I thought the most interesting part of the press conference was when I asked him why he feels differently about this year’s team. He said, “The feeling I get in the that locker-room is different, on the airplane it is different, they are having fun. THE CYNICS AREN’T AROUND ANYMORE. THE GUY IN THE LOCKER-ROOM THAT SAYS DON’T WORRY THAT IS JUST THE COACH TALKING. OR THE GUY TELLING GUYS HE IS GETTING SCREWED ON HIS CONTRACT.”
He also mentioned that they have been able to avoid the “off the field distractions that can tear up a team. These guys have been very responsible.”
This jumped out at me. This is the purge that we have been talking about all off-season and for the most part this is the first time Holmgren has been willing to admit that the locker-rooms of the past were not as cohesive as he tried to make us believe they were.
The question is who were those guys. Some of it is obvious with Anthony Simmons and Koren Robinson. However, you wonder where a Chad Brown, a Chike Okeafor, Rashad Moore and other fit into this mix.
Time will tell if this holds. It is easy to feel good after a win. It is newsworthy that Holmgren has made this admission.
The other news worthy items were as follows.
Darrell Jackson had his knee surgery and he will stay in Florida to see the doctor who did the surgery. Mike Sando, on his Newstribune Hawks Blog, reported this morning that they found a more significant injury and it will be closer to 6 weeks.
The Texans 3-4 defense shouldn’t be a problem since the West Coast Offense was originally designed for the 3-4.
Holmgren said that Kelly Herndon would admit that he didn’t play his best game on Sunday and would expect to see a different player on Sunday. We better hope so. I can promise the Texans watched the film of the St. Louis game and will be going right at Herndon.
Holmgren proudly pointed out the amount of long drives the offense has put together this season.
LeRoy Hill, rookie linebacker, was mentioned as a guy who is pushing for more time on the field.

Locked On Sports: For a real kick, watch Big Walt instead of ball

Locked On Sports: For a real kick, watch Big Walt instead of ball: "The greatest compliment you can bestow on an athlete is that he changes the way you watch the game. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird made fans of all of us in the NBA. Ichiro brought us a new ballgame in the summer of 2001.

Jones has exposed me to a brand new game of football. Compared to watching Jones, watching the ball is so boring.

Spotlight Jones and you will be in awe. He will pull and drive a guy 15 yards down the field. He will flatten him on a crack-back block.

If he weren't on your side it would be unfair. Remember when your older brother would hold the cookie just out of your reach and make you reach and flail. That's how opposing linemen must feel."

FRANK HUGHES WROTE AN AMAZING PIECE ON NATE IN PORTLAND

New Nate | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "One almost expects McMillan to pine for Seattle, to second-guess his decision to leave the only NBA organization he has ever known, to recognize the challenges of youth on this Blazers team and yearn for the winning ways he helped build with the Sonics last season.

Quite the contrary, McMillan is basking in this new life. He is a visitor to a foreign country, learning the language and customs of a new culture. His drive to work is fresh, his office has new, different walls, his voice is being heard by fresh sets of ears. He is a man in infancy, a man with a new long-term lease on his life."

CHUCK ARMSTRONG TONIGHT AT 7:05

Tune in tonight to hear Chuck Armstrong under the kleg lights. Have they fixed their problems? Why haven't they develop minor league talent? Is Ichiro tradeable? Will Ichiro play centerfield? Is Bavasi the right guy for the job? What have they done to make sure that the get out of the doldrums?
It is all tonight on Locked on Sports at 7:05 and open phone lines to follow for your reaction.

SEAHAWKS STAT BREAKDOWN AFTER WEEK 4

This season Locked on Sports is following some specific stats about the Seahawks. Each week I will post these stats. With a quarter of the season completed I thought it was time to reveal the them for the first time. Put your thoughts in the comment zone.
Things I found interesting: Alexanders 1st down rate, Alexander's thrid down rate, run v. pass amount on first down and Bobby Engram all the way across the board.

Section 1: PLAY SUCCESS RATE --- To be a success a play must get 40% of the yards on 1st down, 60% on 2nd down and the 1st down on a 3rd down play.

Overall
Alexander: 50%
Morris 38%
Passing: 67%

1st Down
Alexander: 39% (17 of 44)
Passing: 64% (46 of 72)

3rd Down
Alexander: 100%
Passing: 55%

Section 2: RECEPTION RATE --- % of pass intended to the receiver that were caught

Player
Engram: 78%
Strong: 72%
Jackson: 66%
Jurevicus: 57%
Stevens: 52%
Hannam: 50%
Alexander: 29%

Section 3: 3rd Down

3rd Down Efficiency
1 to 3 to go: Run 83% Pass 100% Overall: 91% (10 of 11)
4 to 6 to go: Run 50% Pass 33% Overall: 40% (2 of 5)
7 or more : Run 33% Pass 17% Overall: 19% (5 of 27)

3rd Down Receiving %– 1st Down %
Jackson – 40% of intended passes 30% of intended for 1st down
Engram -- 50% -- 33.3%
Stevens – 50% -- 25%
Jurevicus – 33% -- 33%
Hannam – 67% -- 67%

D-JACK OUT !! BOBBY E OUT !! PUNTER CUT !!

The Seattle Seahawks will be very shorthanded at the receiver position this weekend. Mike Holmgren announced today at his weekly press conference that the Hawks would be without both Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram for the match-up with the Rams.

Jackson bruised his knee earlier this season and it has become a serious enough issue that he will sit out this week. This could linger for a few weeks. Bobby Engram broke a rib on the first play of the game against Washington and he will also be out.

Holmgren did not announce the starting receivers, but they are limited in their options. Look for Peter Warrick to work in the slot with DJ Hackett and Joe Jurevivius as your starting receivers.

Itula Mili is not all the way ready. He could be available for limited action, but also could be on the inactive list.

The Hawks also waived punter Leo Araguz and re-signed Tom Rouen. Rouen was with the Hawks last season and he will also be Josh Brown’s holder.

Holmgren acknowledge the amount of talk about his decision not to pass at the end of regulation and said, “I don’t struggle with that decision at all.” He added that if they had made on more block on the first run Alexander would have run for a touchdown. That is the same play they used to beat Atlanta in overtime a few years ago and the play that resulted in Alexander’s big run v. Dallas last season.

The line of the press conference was when talking about Mike Martz play calling, Holmgren said “ I have been called a little wild and wacky myself.”

Holmgren reminded us that only 3 players on this year’s Hawks defense played in all of the games against the Rams last year. The problem is all three are in the secondary.

Locked on Sports: Fear, not numbers, sacked Holmgren

Locked on Sports: Fear, not numbers, sacked Holmgren: "Holmgren's entire decision to run, not pass, was based upon a 9.2 percent chance. Yet, in the minds of most coaches, it is the correct decision.

With the established risk at 9.2 percent, what are the other possibilities? More than 56 percent of the time Hasselbeck passes, he completes the pass; 34.3 percent of his attempts fall incomplete.

What was the gain? In Brown's career, if he attempts a kick from between 40 and 49 yards, he makes 61.9 percent of the kicks. When the attempt is between 30 and 39 yards, he connects on 90.5 percent.

A nearly 30 percent gain with a 9.2 percent risk? Can I please have that investment?"

REGGIE EVANS SIGNS

950, KJR is reporting that Reggie Evans will be reporting to camp. Evans has decided to sign the one year tender agreement and become an unrestricted free agent next season. The Sonics had offered Evans a 2 year 5 million dollar deal.
Evans will compete for the starting power forward job with Vlady Radmanovic and Nick Collison. Bob Weiss said yesterday that he likes Evans with Potapenko more then liked Evans with James. Also, he said he would like for Collison to come off the bench.

EVANS HOLDS OUT + WEISS PLAN

The Sonics had media day this evening. Camp starts tomorrow. Here is a collection of the discussion points at Media Day.

As we reported Friday night on 950, KJR Reggie Evans is holding out until he comes to a contract agreement with the Sonics. According to sources, the Sonics offered a 2 year 5 million dollar contract. Evans’ agent is notorious for tough negotiations. The Sonics are not surprised by this development. Head Coach Bob Weiss said he knows what Evans can do, but they will put heavy focus on defense in the opening of camp and the 4 spot will be won by defense. Defensive rotations have not always been a strong point for Evans.
The 4 position will be the most interesting battle in camp. Weiss says he would like to bring Collison off the bench. He really likes the combination of Fortson and Collison on the floor together. However, Weiss did say that Collison will finish games for the Sonics. He also noted that Collison was far and away the best defensive forward on the team last season. According to Weiss, Collison is shooting the ball great.
Weiss also said in some ways he likes the combo of Reggie and Vitaly better then the combo of Reggie and Jerome James last season, because Reggie and James were two non-shooters.
He also mentioned the idea of starting Vlady Radmanovic as the 4 and playing the way Phoenix did last season.

Bob Weiss main point was that last year’s team was within one shot of pushing the World Champs to Game 7 and they did with a terrible defensive team statistically.
In an attempt to change that he will put heavy focus on transition defense and being a more focused defensive unit.
This will be done primarily in two ways. He says every play in the NBA is built around the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option. His design is to guard those 3 with 5. He talked about a concept of contain, help and help the helper.
They have hired Brendon Malone, a long time NBA assistant to join the staff. Malone has worked with both Hubie Brown and Chuck Daly in his career.
Bob Hill, another new assistant, has also with Brown and Larry Brown. They both bring heavy defensive knowledge.
The defense will be much simpler with just 2 ways to play the mid pick and roll and 1 on way to play the side. The hope is that will improve execution.

Practices will be much more 5 on 5. Weiss will take an idea from Jeff Van Gundy. Before each practice the team will hold a “forum” and then go out and practice which should help the flow and conditioning.

Style offensively will be more focused on a fast break. Weiss felt last year’s focus on the secondary break often got players thinking of where they should go on the second part of the break rather then focusing on how to score in the initial break. Weiss wants the basketball skills to be free to show. On the break he wants penetration and then play basketball.

MIKE HOLMGREN MONDAY PRESSER

I just got back from mike HolmgrenÂ’s Monday press session. Here is a re-cap.

Holmgren says he doesn’t second guess the decision to run both plays before the missed field goal. Then I will do it for him. The whole premise is that he is scared of an interception. In his entire career Matt Hasselbeck averages just 2.8% of his passes being intercepted. That is crazy to make a decision based on that little a margain.

Moreover, Josh Brown’s percentage from 30 to 39 yards is 91% and from 40 to 49 is 62%. The risk of an interception is far inferior to the reward of gaining another ten yards. If you want to get deeper in the numbers. Here is the entire breakdown.
56.5% of the time Hasselbeck passes it is complete.
34.3% of the time Hasselbeck passes it is incomplete.
6.5% of the time Hasselbeck is sacked
2.7% of the time Hasselbeck throws an interception.

Therefore, he based his whole decision on 9.2% of the time. The numbers don’t lie.

On the injury front it is unlikely Bobby Engram will be able to go. He cracked a rib on the first play of the game and fought through it for most of the game. Floyd Womack is back and available, but he has had a death in the family so Sean Locklear is likely to start again. Locklear will be going up against Leonard Little.

Holmgren sited inexperience and youth for many of the third down issues. Guys were lined up wrong or made too much of an effort to disguise their blitz. On the final 3rd down conversion in overtime Michael Boulware blitzed from 16 yards off the line of scrimmage and was no where close to getting to Burnell.

The NFL has contacted Holmgren about the awful pass interference call on Boulware. That was a game changing bad call.

HAWKS LOSE IN OT

AGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! Why, why can't a Seattle team ever win a close game !!!!! Why didn't Holmgren try to get ten yards closer. Why. Why. Why. Why couldn't the Hawks get a stop. Agghhhhhhhh!!!!!. This is tearing my heart out and it sucks !!!!!!!!!!!

HAWKS GO TO WASHINGTON DC

Huge game for the Hawks this weekend. This is the bridge game they have to win. Let’s break it down.

#1 thing to look at --- can the Hawks go East the Hawks are 0 for their last 8 when they travel three times zones. All of those teams have been strong physical teams and that is what they are facing with the Skins. The Skins philosophy is pound, pound, pound and then go deep.

#2 thing to look at – Can the Skins score enough to beat the Hawks. For the first 7 quarters and 11 minutes the Hawks scored a grand total of 9 points and no touchdowns.
The Skins offense line had a miserable day against the Cowboys as Brunell got sacked 5 times. This is a huge two part test for the Hawks do they really have a pass rush and can the keep Santana Moss in front of them.

#3 thing to look at – Can Shawn Alexander handle the physical play of the Skins. Shaun Alexander will be facing the league's No. 2-ranked rush defense in the Redskins (65.5). In 2004, he averaged 71.2 rushing yards in five games against top-10 run defenses. The Skins have only allowed 131 yards rushing in two games – 1st down passing will be vital -- 2.8 yards a carry.
My guess is Shaun will be negated and have nothing going against the Skins.

#4 thing to look at --- 1st down passing. Without Alexander the Hawks will have to be great passing on first down. The Skins pressure more then any team in the NFL. Therefore, the Hawks will not be able to get into their 5 or 7 step drop game and they will have to hit the quick passing game early in downs.

#5 thing to look at --- Will Holmgren max protect the QB. More often then not Holmgren’s philosophy is to send the extra receiver rather then protect the QB. Greg Williams the DC for the Skins will test Homlgren. Dallas max protected and the Skins never got a sack on Bledsoe and the Boys converted on 43% of their third downs.

I take the Hawks. The Skins simply can’t score enough to beat Seattle. A huge road win for the Hawks and they end the futility in East Coast Games.

COUGARS LOOKING FOR THE TAIL OF THE BEAVER

It is discovery time for the Cougars. How good are they? There are certain things you don’t doubt when it comes to the Cougs.

One, their offense will score points. It is a birth right at WSU that they will be able to score. Jerome Harrison is going to be productive week in and week out.

This week the Cougs receivers will be able to exploit a young and inexperience Beavers defense. To be honest, I am not convinced that Oregon State is a well coached football team this season and I anticipate the Cougars will be able to take advantage of flaws in the Beavers system.

However, what we are going to find out is where Rob Akey’s defensive unit is. Oregon State can throw the football. They are third in the country in passing. The Cougars secondary has not been tested this season and we are going to find out if they have the metal to handle Mike Hass and the Beavers.

Also, the Beavers haven’t been able to run the football at all. If they are able to run on Saturday then the Cougars are in trouble both at Reiser and all season. If the Cougs can stop the run then they can really put their ears back and be the sack masters that they usually are.
Cougars prevail and show the top of the Pac-10 that there is another competitor in upper house of one of the nation’s best conferences.

HUSKIES FACE THE BRUINS

This is a terrible match-up for the Huskies – see UCLA is good and the Huskies aren’t. 2 main issues here.

Defensively the Bruins passing game is a dink and dunk which is fine if you can stop the running game and there is no way the Huskies are going to slow down Maurice Drew. The Huskies have played two physical football teams and have gotten crushed on the ground on both of them. The left side of the UCLA line is enormous and they are going to blast the Dawgs.

The other issue is it is a bad match-up for the Huskies offensively. UCLA plays a very conservative defense where they leave two safeties deep but at the same time they roll up on your receivers. Therefore they are going to force Stanback to read the spaces in the defense and that is not his strength. His strength is going over the top and UCLA will not allow it.
Finally, UCLA has great linebackers and they will be able to handle the lack of the Huskies running team.

Simple game good team beats bad team by a lot

MLB.com has the Yankees Divison Champship Shirts on the Site

Theonly problem is the haven't won the divison yet. Got to love this picture.
0927051yankees2.jpg (JPEG Image, 600x575 pixels) - Scaled (95%)

Hawks’ Strong great on field, even better off it | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Hawks’ Strong great on field, even better off it | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "And just about every year, he has to fend off the notion that he can be replaced. Joining the team as a free agent in 1993, Strong has played for three coaches (Tom Flores, Dennis Erickson and Holmgren), and lined up behind nine quarterbacks. He became a Seahawk in the year Rick Mirer was drafted and the team traded for Keith Millard.

Strong came into the league just two years after Mosi Tatupu retired, and is now on a roster with Mosi’s son, Lofa."

Bulls' demand for DNA about wrong, rights

Bulls' demand for DNA about wrong, rights: "Eddy Curry is not a thoroughbred. He's not a sheep. He's not a dog for breeding. But the Bulls seem to think that because they have offered him a $5.14 million contract, they have bought the right to force him to take a DNA test to see if his heart condition might be fatal.

They are wrong. Your DNA is a personal, private thing that cannot be purchased. If Curry doesn't want to submit to the test for the Bulls, then that's it. No test. The DNA is his. The DNA is him.

For $5 million, the Bulls are not buying Eddy Curry. They are buying Eddy Curry's services. Curry is not for sale."

MIKE HOLMGREN PRESS CONFERENCE

I just got back from the Wednesday Mike Holmgren press conference. Here is a re-cap of the news and notes from the presser.
On the injury front Peter Warrick will sit out practice today with a groin injury. DJ Hackett will take his spot in the passing game and Jimmy Williams will return punts. Itula Mili is still not at full strength and may be another week before he is ready. Pork Chop Womack is still a week away, but will be the left tackle when he returns.
Holmgren talked about the Skins’ defense as a very aggressive unit that plays true pressure defense and bring the blitz more then most teams in the NFL. Specifically, they like to bring former Hawk Shawn Springs off the edge in a blitz. Springs v. D-Jack will be a big time match-up on Sunday.
In regards to D-Jack, I asked what he does to get so open. Holmgren talked about his tremendous quickness, that he is faster then people give him credit for and that he really is terrific in the first 5 yards of a route.
Offensively the Skins, offensive line will just maul you. They play a very similar system to what Joe Gibbs ran when he was the head coach the first time. He will pound, pound, pound and they shoot for one deep.
I brought up Holmgren’s passing on first down, he said you really have to have great confidence in your QB to make those calls. He admitted that running on first down is the hardest down to run on so if they can he is more then willing to pass on first down. In addition, he mentioned that they chart their own tendencies and will try to change his patterns.
Crowd noise is always a factor on the road. The obvious problem is audibles. Hasselbeck no differently then any other QB gets flustered when he can’t change out of bad plays and then no longer feels comfortable or in a rhythm.
The Hawks 3rd down defense has been amazing thus far. Holmgren credits it with a young defense that just flys around. He also talked about the depth of the roster and the rotation of players they are able to use. I wonder how much John Marshall calling the defense may be responsible for this change.
This year’s defense is different because of the depth. I wrote about this today in the Seattle PI and Holmgren discussed it at the press conference. In the past the starters got hurt and their was no second line, this year there is no such class distinction, they are all interchangeable parts. All the players feel they are contributing.
I credit a great deal of this to the influence of Tim Ruskell on this football team.
Lastly, I asked why the Hawks use Mack Strong in the 2-minute drill rather then Alexander. Holmgren said they have numerous personnel groups that can be used. However, he added that he usually asks Matt what he wants to use. Interesting, if I was Matt I wouldn’t want to have a back in the game that I couldn’t check to as a blocker or dump off to in the passing game.

Locked on Sports: Hawks appear complete

Locked on Sports: Hawks appear complete: "However, this year looks and feels different. Addition by subtraction was the mantra all offseason and it is holding true. The purge of a heartless, selfish defensive unit has given way to an active, aggressive and free-flying group.

The biggest difference is that the Hawks are a complete team. Top to bottom, every player has a role and fills a need.

It is president Tim Ruskell's signature. Every roster spot is being maximized."

WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT STANBACK

This week will be the biggest test for Isaiah Stanback. Truly I don’t think you can make an opinion on him until we see how he reacts when playing good teams that have a scouting report on him. However, I think there is an interesting trend developing. In the Air Force game Stanback hit a ton of 3 step drop plays and since then the clubs have taken that play away from Isaih. Today I went through the play by plays that I keep for the Huskies game and broke Isaiah Stanback offense into two categories, pocket passing and rollout/screen plays. Let put a few qualifiers on this. It is not perfect. I do the best I can. Also I didn’t count after 3 quarters against Idaho because the game was over and I didn’t count the end of the Cal game because it was garbage.
Here is what I discovered
In pocket passing Stanabck is: 12 of 33 for 281 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT
Out of the pocket or screen he is: 13 of 13 for 109 yards

The 13 of 13 is amazing. The 12 of 33 is awful. Not sure what this means.

SONICS SIGN RADMANOVIC TO ONE YEAR DEAL

SONICS SIGN VLADY TO ONE YEAR CONTRACT

As we have reported on 950, KJR’s Locked on Sports for most of the off-season the Sonics and Vlady Radmanovic were unable to find common ground on a long term contract. Instead, today the Sonics signed Radmanovic to the one year tender contract. This makes Radmanovic a free agent after the season. It also restricts the Sonics ability to trade him.
The ideal situation for the Sonics would have been to come a long term agreement. However, the asking price from the Radmanovic camp was more then they were willing to commit to. The Radmanovic camp thought the contracts of Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembert and Bobby Simmons set the market where the Sonics didn’t feel those were appropriate comparisons.
Dave Bauman, Radmanovic’s agent, said during the process that if Radmanovic signed the tender it was his first step out the door and was a sign of lack of commitment from the Sonics that Radmanovic would not forget going into free agency. Time will tell if that was negotiation bluster or if the Sonics have just taken the first step to losing a key piece.
Radmanovic is also in the news today for a fight he got in with a Serbian teammate at the World Championship in the locker-room after their shocking loss to France.

HOT READS ON THE NFL

Is Randy Moss really so good that Dante Culpepper has fallen apart without him or is that the Vikings are terribly coached ….. Is their any guy you root for in the NFL more then Trent Dilfer his post game quote after the Browns beat the Packers in Lambeau on the day they retired Reggie White’s # was so touching “I am sure my son and Reggie were together watching the game.” This is guy that you have to root for ….. Are the Bengals for real, the numbers say yes but realize they still haven’t played anyone yet …
The Saints got screwed so badly last night with that game-taking place in New York. …. Tom Brady’s comments after the game were interesting about how this is a totally different group then they have had in the past, it is clear he doesn’t feel whatever that championship feeling is ……. I thought Brian Billick was supposed to be an offensive genius, but his offense in Baltimore is the worst in the NFL …
If KC defense is as good as it seems, Indy and NE better look out in the AFC … What happened to the big year of the Atlanta Falcons, you have to have an offensive line and they don’t … Joey Harrington is following in the footsteps of other great Oregon NFL QB’s like Akili Smith … 1-0 teams on the road this weekend generally lost I believe those teams that were 1-0 and went on the road were 2-8, I include the Saints as a road team

HUSKIES BLOW OUT THE VANDALS

A win is a win is a win. Bottom line the Huskies will take it anyway they can get it. Also, the Idaho Vandals are terrible.
Here are a few thoughts from Husky Stadium while the Dawgs blow out the Vandals.
Could you imagine if the Huskies had won the Air Force game. They would be 2-1 having lost to a great Cal team. You also have to wonder if the Huskies would have quit against Cal had they beat the Falcons. Cal still would have won and won easily as they were a far superior team.
This was vintage Tyrone Willingham football. Find an advantage and milk it to the end. The Huskies came out and pounded the football. They called running plays on 18 of the first 25 plays. The offensive line was making hay on each and every run.
Louis Rankin had a good day and showed some nice footwork that many wondered if he had.
Defensively the Huskies coaches had some very nice blitz packages dialed up for the Vandals. Early in the game they brought two guys up the middle with the first guy tying up the blockers and the second guy would get to the quarterback. The Huskies also implemented a pass rush front 4 on passing downs, it included Caesar Rayford on an end with Greyson Gunheim on the other end. Manase Hopoi and Wilson Afoa were the tackles for most of those allingnments.,
Idaho was slow. Numerous times it looked as though Idaho’s backs would have a running lane and then they never had the speed to get to it.
Finally, I know it is a nice win, but I have to throw a word of caution. I am very worried about Isaiah Stanback’s play. He was awful early completing just 1 of his first 6 throws with an interception and a fumble. Throughout the game, he almost never went to a secondary receiver. Moreover, his best plays were often very poor decisions. The bomb to Craig Chambers was into double coverage, the touchdown to Johnnie Kirton was ill advised and he should have two other balls intercepted. His scrambling ability and escapability are impressive, but his quarterbacking game is not progressing.
A win is a win is a win.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Pro Football Prospectus 2005

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Pro Football Prospectus 2005: "The Seahawks infamously finished second in the NFL in drops in 2003, a surprise for a talented unit that boasted Darrell Jackson (who signed a lucrative new deal after the season), former top-ten pick Koren Robinson, and Football Outsiders favorite Bobby Engram. The problems were written off to focus and confidence issues and a host of other excuses."

Locked on Sports: Onus on Hasselbeck to rekindle bravado

Locked on Sports: Onus on Hasselbeck to rekindle bravado: "Since then, the fourth- quarter magic that had been a staple of a young Hasselbeck has disappeared. Aside from two very good drives last year against the Cowboys, Hasselbeck and the Hawks have been dormant in the fourth quarter since that Jan. 4, 2004, day at Lambeau Field."

SIMULBLOG FOR SEAHAWKS V. JAGS

HAWKS LOSE THE OPENER --- HASSELBACK WAS TERRIBLE AND THE OFFENSE WAS WELL BELOW PAR IN THE SECOND HALF. THE DEFENSE SHOWED SIGNS OF BEING MUCH IMPROVED THOUGH STILL PUNISHED BY THE BIG BALLS.

SCAN DOWN AND YOU WILL SEE MY RUNNING COMMENTARY IN THE SIMULBLOG. THIS WRITTEN AS THE GAME HAPPENS.

PLACE YOUR COMMENTS IN THE COMMENT ZONE.

THINGS TO WATCH (Green is post-game response)
1) Penetration of Jags defensive Tackles -- they had huge impact on the Hawks ability to run.
2) Sean Locklear making his first start at right tackle -- biggest play of the game he was blown up. He got beat on two or three occasions.
3) Can Bobby Engram get open as the #2 wide reciever? Yes. he was very active in the middle of the field. They moved him to slot in the 3 wide reciever set.
4) Thrid down conversions. Last year the Hawks were awful, the year before brilliant . Hawks once again were very poor on 3rd downs.
5) Mental game of Stevens. Without Mili Stevens will have to play a lot of snaps in the heat. Seemed to be a non-issue.
6) Big plays allowed. That was the killer last season. Jimmy Smith crushed them on big plays.
7) Can the Hawks get any pass rush. It was better then last season. At times it was very poor and moreso the Hawks were terrible on the blitz getting to the QB.

OPENING DRIVE -- JAGS WITH THE FOOTBALL -- DRIVE STARTS AT THE HAWKS 40.
Hawks fumble the opening kickoff. Scobee makes a nice return but fumbles.
This is as brutal a beginning as you can have to a season
This reminds me of the Rams game last year when they came out and threw on the first 11 plays.
The Jags have threw on the first 4 plays until they ran Matt Jones on a trick play
Reggie Williams cost the Jags a timeout by not being on the field
Defense stiffs and hold the Jags to a field goal
JAGS LEAD 3-0 -- 6 PLAYS 34 YARD DRIVE.

OPENING DRIVE FOR HAWKS -- TRAIL 3-0 -- START AT THE 20
We are going to chart Alexander's success rate today as a runner. Success being 40% of first down yardage, 60% of the first down on second down and the first down on thrid.
This is not an Alexander strength and it drives Holmgren nuts
Stroud, the great D-Tackle of the Jags blows up the Hawks first run play.
drive dies after Alexander -2 yard run.
PUNT

JAGS BALL -- 8:54 LEFT 1st QUARTER -- START AT 20 -- LEAD 3-0
Penalty pushes Jags 3rd and 2 to a 3rd and 7. -- Leftwitch to Jones converts first down
Leftwitch is sitting in shotgun and has all day to throw. He has completed 6 of his first 7 throws.
This is a brutal start. The Jags are just slicing the Hawks defense up.
Hawks brought 6 on 3rd and 5 and still didn't get to Leftwitch.
41 YARD FIELD GOAL GOOD -- JAGS LEAD 6-0 3:49 left in 1st Quarter.

HAWKS BALL -- 3:45 LEFT 1ST QUARTER -- START AT 20 -- TRAIL 6-0
Engram moves to the slot in the three wide reciever set.
END OF FISRST QUARTER
Alexander in the first quarter has a success rate of just 1 for 5. (see above for defintion)
Hasselback had all day to throw on a 3rd and 7 and Jurevicius got behind the defense.
TOCHDOWN -- HASSELBACK TO JUREVICIUS FOR 33 YARDS.
HAWKS LEAD 7-6 -- 8 PLAYS 80 YARDS.

JAGS BALL -- 14:47 LEFT 2ND QUARTER -- START AT 26 -- HAWKS LEAD 7-6
Hamlin laid a vintage Hamlin hit on Jimmy Smith. Smith has 3 catches. Lets see what he finishs with.
Lofa Tatupu made a great play stuffing Taylor. Great anticipation.
Hawks are trying to throw a ton of looks. A moment ago they rushed just 2.
Then on the next play they brought 6 and stunted the lineman. It rushed Leftwitch.
PUNT

HAWKS BALL -- 12:58 LEFT 2ND QUATER -- START AT 11 -- HAWKS LEAD 7-6
Walter Jones is unreal.
Hawks are really firing at the Jags cornerbacks.
Interesting move. Engram is still playing the slot and JJ is going to the outside reciever in three reciever sets.
3rd and 9 and Matt throws a awful ball. This is the type of play that losses a game.
INTERCEPTION -- TERRIBLE - TERRIBLE THROW BY HASSELBACK

JAGS BALL -- 9:23 LEFT 2ND QUARTER -- START AT HAWKS 33 -- TRAIL 7-6
Hawks defense did a great job last time holding the Jags to a field goal. Can they do it again.
Incredible run defense from the Hawks-- stuff the Jags on back to back plays 2nd and 3rd and 1 Chuck Darby in the middle of it all.
MISSED FIELD GOAL 43 YARD FIELD.
Amazing the Hawks have committed two turnovers in Jags territory and only have only allowed 3 points.

HAKWS BALL -- 7:13 LEFT 2ND QUARTER -- START AT 34 -- LEAD 7-6
Do we have our first drop? Bannister should have made that play. No surprise he hasn't played any games in the exhibition season and is not a reciever.
No running game at all. Alexander success rate is 1 for 7.

JAGS BALL -- 6:19 LEFT 2ND QUARTER -- START AT THE 26 -- TRAIL 7-6
Wistrom gets a great lick on Leftwitch on an outside rush
Deep ball. How does this happen again. Herndon got beat by Smith. Herndon had no help. 45 yards on the pick up.
Rocky Bernard sack.
4 man rush gets no where close and Leftwitch finds a wide open Jimmy Smith for a 31 yard TD.
Erick Kramer is wrong it is not DD Lewis it was Boulwaire that got turned around and burned.
The Hawks defense was totally awful on that play.
TOUCHDOWN LEFTWITH TO SMITH -- JAGS LEAD 13-7

HAWKS BALL -- 4:17 LEFT 2ND QUARTER -- START AT THE 20 -- TRAIL 13-7
Alexander boom or bust -- 35 yard pick up.
Alexander has success on his last 3 runs.
Wow !!! What a great drive. 80 yards to answer the Jags TD. That is big time.
Alexander was huge on the drive.
HASSELBACK TO JACKSON FOR 9 YARD TD.
7 PLAYS - 80 YARDS -- HAWKS LEAD 14-13.

2ND HALF

JAGS BALL -- OPENING 2ND HALF -- START AT 22 -- TRAIL 14-13
Nifty play out of the Jags-- Jones, the former QB at Arkansas, took an end a round and then ran an option out of it. Hawks played it well. Good fundamentals.
Jags are suddenly getting big run numbers from Taylor. His last three carries are for 6 or mroe yards.
I haven't heard Marcus Tubbs name at all in the this game.
Terrible tackle by Andre Dyson. None of the new guys are able to tackle the way Lucas did.
Terrible defense. 3rd and 6 and the Jags give it to Taylor and the Hawks defensive line gets manhandled.
Are we seeing heat have its impact. This is a long drive and the Hawks aren't making plays.
Jumpball to Jimmy Smith over the top of Marcus Trufant for a Touchdown.
JAGS TAKE THE LEAD ON 12 PLAY 78 YARD DRIVE TO OPEN HALF.

HAWKS BALL - 1ST OF SECOND HALF -- START AT 29 --- TRAILING 20-14
Sean Locklear got blown up for the first time.
Moris on a draw on 3rd and 9 --- why?
PUNT

JAGS BALL -- 6:34 LEFT 3RD QUARTER -- START AT 21 -- LEADING 20-14
Hawks are brining the blitz but they can't get to Leftwitch.
The Hawks offense just killed the defense. The D was on the field for 11 plays and then the Hawks offense only stayed on the floor for 4 plays and a tired D is back on the field.
Most recent run plays: 6,6,6,8,3,0,7,1,8,5 -- that is a really bad sign.
This game is in the balance.
Great plays -- back to back -- Trufant blitz forces fumble and 4 man rush collapses on Leftwitch.
PUNT

HAWKS BALL -- 1:46 LEFT 3RD QUARTER -- START AT 7--- TRAILING 20-14
The Hawks have lost the field goal postion game from the first play
Alexander's success rate is 4 of 12 runs
3 and out. 2 drives in the 3rd Quarter and the Hawks have 13 yards and 1 first down.

JAGS BALL -- :46 LEFT IN 3RD QUARTER --- START AT 42 -- LEADING 20-14
The Hawks defense was on the field for 12 minutes of the 3rd Quarter
Rocky Bernard nice tackle for a loss.
4TH QUARTER
Very clutch again by the defense 3 and out. The defense is keeping the Hawks in the game.
PUNT

HAWKS BALL -- 14:39 LEFT IN 4TH QUARTER -- START AT 2 --- TRAILING 20-14 Warrick makes an awful decision. Takes the punt at the 2 yard line. He just cost the Hawks 20 yards on the most important drive of the game. These are plays that losing teams make.
Hawks have started the last two drives at the 7 and and the 2
Huge play to open drive -- Hassell to Stevens for 20 yards.
This would be huge. Hawks hit midfield. Next play they get sacked Ouch !!!
Hawks follow the sack with a delay of game -- shooting themselves in the foot
Did Jackson make the catch? It looked close and the Hawks don't challange. Timeouts are precious and after last years bad luck and bad choices they must have decided not to lose a timeout.
PUNT -- big to move the ball into Jags territory. The Hawks should get two more shots at it.

JAGS BALL -- 9:04 LEFT IN 4TH QUARTER -- START AT 25 -- LEADING 20-14
Is that 3rd Quarter going to come into play now.
Hawks defense does it again. This group has had a very good day.

HAWKS BALL -- 6:29 LEFT IN 4TH QUARTER -- START AT 15 -- TRAILING 20-14
What a disaster. Interception on Hasselback. A awful throw.
Hasselback flushed when Locklear gets beat throws across his body and across the field and it is hangs in the air and is intercepted. This is a awful play. Hasselback just choked. Flat out choked.
The offense was awful in the second half and it cost this team the game.
All this talk about how great Hasselback is has to be re-examined . He was below average last year and he make two game losing throws today. This was flat out brutal.

JAGS BALL -- AFTER INTERCEPTION
Defense holds but Hasselback's awful play gives up another 3 points
HAWKS TRAIL 23-14 --9 POINTS THE SAME THEY GAVE UP ON TURNOVERS.

HAWKS BALL -- TRAILING 23-14 WITH 4:00 LEFT.
Jags blitz and crush Hasselback who fumbles and the Hawks lose.


More on Hasselback
I am really disapointed in how he played today.
Did he make any throw that most of the Quarterbacks in the NFL couldn't make.

MIKE MORSE SUSPENSION -- MORSE RESPONSE

First and foremost I want to apologize to the fans, my teammates, the Mariners’ organization, baseball and to my family. Back in November 2003 when I was 21 years old, I made an enormous mistake in my life: I took steroids while in the Minor Leagues. My thigh muscle, which I had previously torn, had never healed and I was scared that my career was over. I was desperate and made a terrible mistake which I deeply regret.


In May 2004, I was punished and suspended, which I deserved, for my mistake. I embarrassed myself, my family and my team. I am responsible for the mistake of taking steroids and the positive result was not due to some over-the-counter supplement, protein shake or tainted test.


I promised myself never to make the same mistake again. The Arbitration Panel found that the evidence supports that I have not used steroids since the 2003 off-season.


After serving my suspension in May 2004, I was allowed to resume my Minor League career even though steroids remained in my system from the 2003 off-season. There was nothing I could do to completely remove the steroids from my body. In July 2004, I was again drug tested while in the Minor Leagues and the result was that the steroids in my system were in a declining quantity. However, I was again suspended under the Minor League Drug Policy for a second time even though I had not used steroids since the 2003 off-season.


This season, while in the Major Leagues, I was shocked to learn that I tested positive again for steroids. The results showed an extremely low level. As the Panel’s decision points out, the Level was so low that it was ‘undisputed’ that it had ‘no performance enhancing effect’ on me. This positive test was due to the fact that there were still some remnants of the steroid left in my system from the 2003 off-season.


I am troubled that I will be suspended for the third time despite the fact that the scientific evidence supports that I kept my promise that I would never use steroids again.

Even the Panel states in its written decision that ‘the Panel recognizes that this result may be viewed as unfair to Michael Morse…..’


I find it unfair that I am being punished three different times for making the mistake of taking steroids once in 2003. At least there is some solace in the fact that the scientific evidence supports that I kept my promise that I would never use steroids again.

I am truly sorry that this statement was ever even necessary.

I can only hope that the fans, my teammates, the Mariners’ organization, baseball and my family will accept my apology.

SIMULBLOG FOR WASHINGTON V. AIRFORCE

AGAINST










OPENING DRIVE -- HUSKIES FOOTBALL
3 and out. Rankin twice up the middle. On third and three the Huskies went gun with no backs. Stanback QB draw was stiffled. PUNT

OPENING DRIVE -- AIR FORCE FOOTBALL
Fumble at the Huskies 20 yard line. Goldsten recovered
Air Force converted on two long third down plays to keep the drive.

8:31 left 1st Quarter -- No Score -- HUSKIES FOOTBALL
Huskies are just coming right at Air Force. I formation here we come and try to stop the running game. It is a smash mouth. Rankin busted a 25 yard run. Most of the runs are over the leftside of the offensive line, Joe Toledo and Stanley Daniels.
Drive stalls on a third five when Stanback has his pass knocked down.
EVEN KNUDSON 40 YARD FIELD GOAL -- 3-0 HUSKIES.
8 PLAY 57 YARD DRIVE.

5:30 left in 1st Quarter -- Huskies lead 3-0 -- Air Force Football
3 and out. Huskies rallied to the ball very well on defense.
Matt Fontaine knocked away first and ten pass play.

3:50 left in 1st Quarter -- Huskies lead 3-0 -- Huskies Football.
4th and 2 on the 18 yard line and after a timeout the Huskies go for it.
Quick flair out to Russo comes up inches short. Questionable that you take the 3 points on a 4th and 2 situation.
Amazing pass from Stanback to Corey Williams straight down the middle of the field for 35 yards highlighted the drive. This was the best throw we have seen out of Stanback.
Drive fails on 3rd and 1 when James Simms tenatively gets caught for a one yard loss at the 19 yard line. Questionable why Simms would get this carry when Rankin is running this well.
Stanback also hit Russo on a simple out pattern to start the drive for 12 yards.
Early playing calling has been great. Simple. Straight forward and low on the risk factor.
Stanback is 5 of 6 for 69 yards.

1:00 left in 1st Quarter -- Huskies lead 3-0 -- Air Force Football
Fischer DeBerry Air Force Head Coach went into his bag of tricks and brought out the entire 2nd team offense to start the drive and went to a no-huddle.
San Jose State transfer cornerback Roy Lewis looks very good on the corner.

1st Quarter Stats: Huskies 126 yards - Falcons 73
Rushing yards: even at 56
Passing yarss: Air Force 70-17.

Air Force fakes a punt at 4th and 5 on the Huskies 45 to keep the drive alive.
Ian Furness of 1080 the Fan in Portland said right before the punt this is about when Fischer Deberry does something nutty. Good Call
DeBerry went for it again on 4th and 3 at the 33 and with a generous mark made it again.
DaShawn Goldston and CJ Wallace both are playing very well.
The secondary as a whole has been very strong in run support and pass coverage.
CJ Wallace forced the fumble (the above was written before) and ended the drive at their own 26.
That is the Falcons second turnover inside the Huskies 40 yard line.
The drive was 16 plays and 5:37 and no points

10:13 left in the 2nd Quarter -- Huskies lead 3-0 -- Huskies ball
Play calling continues to be strong. Simple, safe and confidence building
Johnnie Kirton caught his first pass coming out of the set as a tied end.
Robin Meadow holding penalty on a Rankin run cost the Huskies on a 1st and 10.
Drive stalls at the 47. Falcons blitzed and Stanback missed Russo.
PUNT -- Terrible snap on the punt just about had the punt blocked.

6:53 left in the 2nd Quarter -- Huskies lead 3-0 -- Falcons Ball
The Huskies are hitting really hard.
Chris Fetters of Dawgman has the line of the day, "Is this the spring game."
Fatigue is beginning to be a factor. The Huskies are playing the plays correctly and the Falcons are getting 4 to 6 yards a chunk.
Over the last 16 minutes of the game the Falcons have been on offense for 13.
27 of the last 33 plays have been Falcons offense.
CJ Wallace just left with an injury and Roy Lewis got hurt an arm injury.
FIELD GOAL 41 YARD -- TIED AT 3-3
13 plays 57 yards 6:14

2ND HALF

14:40 left in the 3rd Quarter -- Tied at 3 -- Falcons Ball
Great kick return starts drive at the 42
With the help of an illegal motion penalty Huskies stop drive without allowing first down.
Terrible punt.

13:19 left in the 3rd Quarter -- Tied at 3 -- Huskies Ball
WOW -- Very impressive opening drive of the 2nd half.
10 running plays including 7 in a row and 2 passes.
A gorgeous play action roll to Johnnie Kriton from Stanback broke the streak of 7 straight runs.
Rankin is ran very well. Rankin is over 100 yards on 16 carries.
Stanback has great numbers but too often he is costing yards with throws that are not accurate enough.
Sims is the back-up running back for Rankin at this point.
Joe Toledo left ankle sprain doubtful to return.
TOUCHDOWN JAMES SIMS 1 YARD RUN -- HUSKIES LEAD 10-3

7:01 left in the 3rd Quarter -- Huskies lead 10-3 -- Falcons Ball
They have been lining up Gunheim as a linebacker in certain formations.
Bend but don't break
Nice play by Gunheim and Darin Harris to stop a 3rd and 5 on the 9 yard line.
28 yard Field Goal -- Huskies lead 10-6.
13 plays - 70 yards 5:50

1:05 left in the 3rd Quarter. Huskies lead 10-6 -- Huskies ball
Muffed kickoff and the Dawgs start on the 11. First play pass to Ellis for 21 yards. HUGE.
WOW AGAIN -- A TREMDOUS DRIVE.
Stanback has been brillant in the second half -- 7 of 7 for 110 yards and Touchdown.
He has hit 5 different recievers in the half.
He is 16 for 21 for 207 yards -- That is tremendous.
27 YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS TO CODY ELLIS OVER TWO DEFENDERS WITH TERRIFIC TOUCH. THAT SHOULD WIN THE FOOTBALL GAME
HUSKIES 17-6.

NOT SO FAST!!!
84 YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS TO KIRKWOOD.
2 POINT CONVERSION NEGATED BY PENALTY.
HUSKIES LEAD 17-13

9:23 left in the game -- Huskies lead 17-13 -- Huskies ball
Stanback throws his first incompletion on a drop by Corey Williams.
Drop stalls the drive on what would have been a huge first down.
Rankin continues to run well.

6:06 left in the game -- Huskies lead 17-13 -- Falcons Ball
4th and at the Falcons own 40 -- Carney keeps it on a roll 1st down
Falcons stay alive
Carney hits Brown with 3:00 left, he slips after the catch at the 30. Had he not slipped he could have gone to the house.
Carney runs 15 yards to the 15
2:27 left 1st -10 at 15 yd line: Carney keeps for 2 yds
2:00 left 2nd - 8 at 13 yd line: Evan Benjamin makes a great play stuffing Carney
1:30 left 3rd -9 at the 15 yd line: Completion to the 1yd line to Kirkwood.
1:02 left 1st - goal at the 1 yd line:

Heading down to field -- you know the outcome

It’s not just business, it’s personal - Blog Maverick - www.blogmaverick.com _

This is Mark Cuban's blog. I found this an amazing post. Very honest admitiion of his mistakes. Some not so subtle shots at Don Nelson. And a solid explination of how the NBA has evolved.

HOW CLASSIC IS THIS

This is the LA Kings first round draft pick. This jersey should sell

HOW THE SONICS LOST OUT ON DALE DAVIS?

The Sonics were hot after Dale Davis for the past weeks and really thought he would be a nice fit to the team. However, the Pistons blew the Sonics out of the water with a 2 year 7 million dollar contract for Davis.
The Sonics were believed to more in the 2 year 4 to 5 million range. If the Sonics had matched the Davis contract they would have been unable to match Damien Wilkins if they decide that is the best approach.
Moreover, 7 million over 2 years for a seriously aging Davis is another head scratching deal in the NBA this off-season. Hard to complain that the Sonics wouldn’t eliminate any chance of retaining Wilkins by matching the deal that Davis got offered from Detroit.

HAWKS LOSE PRE-SEASON TO COWBOYS

Funny how this sports world works, by being in San Antonio I was able to watch the Hawks pre-season game last night. Here is a quick summary

Positives
1) Bobby Engram was active in the middle of the field. This was sorely lacking from last year’s team.
2) Stevens was a part of the passing game. He still needs to get better after the catch but he was active and involved. If the passing game can cover the middle of the field they should be able to hit a few deep over the middle when defenses are forced to adjust.
3) Chuck Darby was all over the place and Marcus Tubbs stunted on a play and showed enough athleticism that he got to the quarterback.
4) 1st quarter run defense was very solid holding Julius Jones to no carry over 2 yards.

Negatives
1) 2 of the first 3 drives by the offense were turnovers
2) Penalities on the first kickoff and the first play set the tone. The Hawks were sloppy all game.
3) Dropped balls by Urban and Wallace may have sealed their fate.
4) Inability to make a play. On three occasions the Hawks had interceptions they dropped. These are the plays that you have to make.
5) Second quarter run defense was awful as Jones gashed the Hawks for three carries over 10 yards in one drive.

OFFER SHEET, TRE SIMMONS AND DALE DAVIS

The offer sheet we told you about arrived today and is exactly as anticipated. The Sonics now have 7 days to decide whether or not to match the offer sheet.
The part of this equation that is unclear is that Wilkins wants to be in Minnesota not in Seattle. Would he have signed the offer sheet if he thought Seattle was going to match? His agent, Mark Bartelstein is one of the best in the business.
We now know why Wilkins turned down the offer from Nate and the Blazers.

In other news I talked with Tre Simmons today and he expects to sign with the Sonics in the next few days. If Wilkins leaves for Minnesota then Simmons would be a nice fit for the Sonics. He can shoot and is a surprisingly good defender.
This is a good example of how I feel Wilkins is replaceable. However, the Sonics management talks about Wilkins size, his defensive capabilities and his ability to drive to the basket as things that separate him at this position.
Bottom line if I am the Sonics unless you are certain that Wilkins is going to be able to be a back-up 2 and 3 and give you 18 to 25 minutes a night then I would let him go to Minnesota. He is a replaceable piece.

The decision on Dale Davis should happen today. Davis is deciding between Seattle and Detroit. Detroit falls out of the picture if Michael Finley goes to Detroit, but the word around the league is that Finley to Miami is a done deal.

DALE DAVIS A SONIC OR A PISTON

A quick update on Dale Davis. I just spoke with his agent Chubby Wells and he expects a decision to be made either tonight (Thursday) or more likely tomorrow. Things can change but as of right now the decision is between Seattle and Detroit.
Rick Sund and Wells plan to speak in the next few hours.

SONICS EXPECT WILKINS TO GET OFFER SHEET AND SONICS MAY LURE DALE DAVIS TO SEATTLE

Here is the latest on the Supersonics.
Expectations are the in the next day or two you will see a 5 year 14.6 million dollar offer sheet from the Minnesota Timberwolves to Damien Wilkins. According to numerous reports the Wolves have already used 2.5 million of their mid-level exception to sign Eddie Griffin leaving just 2.5 million to start to offer for Wilkins.
There is a little game of cat and mouse going on here as the Wolves have delayed announcing the Griffin because it allows the Sonics to know what they are going to offer Wilkins in an offer sheet. Remember the Sonics have to use their mid-level to re-sign Wilkins.
Wilkins and his agent Mark Bartelstein have told the Sonics that Wilkins would rather not return to Seattle because he doesn’t want to be behind Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis for the length on the contract. The Wolves have told Wilkins he would start.
The Sonics have the deal done for Vitaly Potapenko and he is going through physicals and all of that before it is announced.
However, the Sonics are not done on the center front. DeSanga Diop is out of the picture as he is expected to sign with Dallas, but the Sonics are still in strong conversations with Dale Davis and his agent Chubby Wells.
Detroit is hot after Davis as well but they may have to use their entire mid-level to sign newly release Michael Finley. Finley to Detroit would be good for the Sonics quest after Dale Davis.
The update on Finley is Detroit, Phoenix, San Antonio and the Heat are all hot after him.
The Sonics have their entire mid-level to use for both Wilkins and Davis and may end up with both of them.
One other note I am hearing around the league that the Spurs are trying to move Brent Barry only after one year with the team.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950 KJR's David Locke caught up with Seahawks legends Steve Largent and Curt Warner after the Rumble at the Ridge golf tournament and talked everything from golf to politics. David also talked a little football in the extended conversation at TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge with the Ring of Honor members.

Locked on Sports: Bavasi teetering on tightrope

Locked on Sports: Bavasi teetering on tightrope: "When the Mariners lose their 90th game this season, they will become the first franchise to follow back-to-back 90-win seasons with back-to-back 90-loss seasons since Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's in 1916.

Outgoing GM Pat Gillick said someone else needed to take a 'kick at the cat.' Bavasi has kicked the bucket."

FELIX THE GREAT

Felix Hernandez was simply awesome last night. The Royals are awful but everything about last night was real.
Here is how real. One of my best friends is playing with the Royals and I went to lunch with him today. I asked him what the guys were saying. He told me that he asked one of the guys in the clubhouse, a guy who has played around 8 years in the bigs both in the AL and the NL, what he thought of Felix and after a pause he called him the best right hander he has ever faced. The best right hander he has ever faced. That is insane.
He is that good. A few things that jumped out a me really watching him last night.
First, his back side. He is girth is impressive. Furthermore, he really uses it. He gets down and drive and his hips explode to the mound. That is a lot of his power and you would hope that would keep his arm healthy.
He is down in the strike zone. I mean he may have come about the belt once or twice in the game. I was talking to a former big leager today who was explaining to me that on a hard thrower you have to focus on the top of the ball because it will rise up at contact. But Felix is already bringing the ball on a downward plane so that you have no choice but to hit the top of the ball, which is why he is not allowing extra base hits and why he is not allowing fly balls.
Gil Meche still hasn’t figured how to get on a downward plane the way the 19 year old Felix has.
Another item that jumped out was his command of both sides of the plate. Most young pitchers are able to take one side of the plate and they live on it. More often then not for a right hand pitcher it is the outside to a right hander hitter and the inside corner to a left hander. Felix is commanding both sides of the plate no matter if the hitter is left handed or right handed.
Finally it a post game interview with the Torrealba, Torreabla was asked about a 3-2 pitch and what he decided to throw and Felix told him put down whatever you think is right and I will throw it. That is tremendous confidence.
The dude is real. This beyond hope. The are more steps to be taken but this guy is the unattainable #1 starter that every franchises dreams of.

RADMANOVIC NEGOTATIONS UPDATE

Vlady’s side and the Sonics talked yesterday. They are still at a point were they agree to disagree. The Sonics have upped their offer to 6 year 42 million with incentives and the Vlady wants $50 million guarantee. At this point Radmanovic camp is waiting out an offer from some other team. If that doesn’t happen, which seems unlikely, they can sign the 1-year $3.2 million tender before October 1st.
Radmanovic’s camp still believes that the free agent market is robust and they are better off becoming an unrestricted free agent next season. Their belief is that they will be able to get substantially more in the opening market next year then the $42 million dollar offer the Sonics are offering.
The Sonics are standing pat.

Locked on the NFL Audio

David Locke of Sports Radio 950 KJR talked with Seahawk linebacker Jamie Sharper about the veteran's transition into the Seattle defense. Locke and Sharper discuss the championship attitude that helped Sharper to a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens and how that can be applied to a new team in his ninth NFL season.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950, KJR's David Locke spoke with new Seahawk defensive tackle Chuck Darby about working his way from the Tampa Bay practice squad in his rookie season to earning a likely starting spot on the Seahawks line, all while fighting off the label as an "under-sized" player.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950, KJR's David Locke talked with 2-time National Champion Lofa Tatupu about draft-day jitters, playing as an undersized linebacker, growing through the USC system and other news from Seahawks training camp.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950 KJR's David Locke talks with new Seahawk Kelly Herndon about how the veteran cornerback reached a high level in the NFL, his transition to the Seattle secondary and the goings-on of his hometown of Twinsburg, Ohio.

Locked on the NFL Audio

You heard a Cougar, now you can hear Sports Radio 950 KJR's David Locke talk with a Dawg. David caught up with veteran wide receiver Jerome Pathon and talked about his Canadian roots, the Seahawks receiving corps and his return to Seattle.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950 KJR's David Locke talks with Wilson High School and WSU product Marcus Trufant about going to training camp in his home state (and younger brother Isaiah's backyard) and the progression of the up-and-coming Seahawks cornerback.

Locked on the NFL Audio

Sports Radio 950, KJR's David Locke talks with Josh Brown about the Seahawks kicking game, Josh's top five movie picks, the best ways to pass time in Cheney and the best ways to get around retail return policies.

Locked on Sports: Steroid scandal means it's time for Selig to say goodbye

Locked on Sports: Steroid scandal means it's time for Selig to say goodbye: "Resign, Bud Selig!

Selig's leadership -- or lack thereof -- has left baseball confronting this steroid-laced disaster. His actions as commissioner of baseball have been either dishonest or incompetent -- or both."

LOCKED ON SPORTS AUDIO

950, KJR's David Locke talks with Seattle Seahawks Quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn about the drops, Senecca Wallace and the loss of Trent Dilfer.

NO OFFER SHEET FOR WILKINS FROM TIMBERWOLVES

In today’s Seattle Times it was reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves will sign Damien Wilkins a 5 year $15 million offer sheet.
I just spoke with Timberwolves head coach Dwane Casey and he said that is not accurate. “There is sincere interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves but there is no formal offer sheet extended to Damien Wilkins.” Minnesota doesn’t want to have its money tied up the seven day period of restricted free agency.
In addition, the report in the Times said that the Sonics are unlikely to match. The word around the NBA is very different. The Sonics have told Wilkins agent Mark Bartelstein that they will match offers for Wilkins.
An issue that has not be discussed is that Wilkins may not want to return to Seattle. Bartelstein has told the Sonics that his client would like to go some place where he can start. With the Sonics Wilkins chances are minimal for significant playing time with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis ahead of him on the depth chart. Whereas in the other cities that are suiting Wilkins he would have a chance to start.
Minnesota is very interested in Wilkins, Flip Murray and Reggie Evans. At the current time Minnesota can’t afford to have their money tied up in an offer sheet. However, it is fair to anticipate that at some point Minnesota will extend an offer sheet to either Wilkins or Murray. Minnesota will try to make the Sonics decided.
Other teams interested are Atlanta and Denver.

HoopsHype - Interviews - Vladimir Radmanovic: "My status on the team improves with Weiss"

HoopsHype - Interviews - Vladimir Radmanovic: "My status on the team improves with Weiss": "Vladimir Radmanovic: 'My status on the team improves with Weiss'
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FRANKLIN THE MUSCLE MAN

STEROIDS YES OR NO?

Who would you play the game with? Go to the comment zone and nominate names and see what people say?

Locked On Sports: It's time for fans to play 'Steroids, Yes or No?'

Locked On Sports: It's time for fans to play 'Steroids, Yes or No?': "Sadly, baseball's ostrich approach to confronting a decade-long problem has created an environment in which baseball fans' newest, most favorite game is 'Steroids, Yes or No?' The game is simple. Name the player, check his numbers and then speculate steroids, yes or no? Let's play:"

LOCKED ON SPORTS PODCAST

Every night at 8:05 pm Locked on Sports will talk the NFL. The guests will include Seahawks, fantasy experts, national expters and coaches.
Monday night 950, KJR's David Locke talked with Andre Dyson.

BREAKING NEWS -- FRANKLIN FAILS STEROID TEST

950, KJR is reporting and has confirmed that Ryan Franklin has tested positive for a banned substance and will be suspended 10 games by Major League Baseball. HE will talk with the media around 11:00 am this morning in Detroit.
This becomes another example of how outrageous the steroid and banned substance problem is and was inside Major League Baseball. When a player like Franklin is involved it opens up the entire roster of every team as potential users.
Stay tuned to 950, KJR for more on this developing story.

SONICS TO SIGN RICK BRUNSON AS BACK-UP POINT

950, KJR'S Locked on Sports reports that according to sources inside the NBA, the Sonics have come to a one-year agreement with Rick Brunson. Brunson, 32, is a 8 year veteran in the NBA. Brunson will be the back-up to Luke Ridnour.
Last season the Sonics played a three-guard rotation, however in the 2005-06 season the Sonics are anticipating that they will have a 4-guard rotation. Brunson stand at 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. His size is a nice compliment to Ridnour.
Last season, Brunson played 80 games, starting 39, with the LA Clippers averaging 24 minutes a game. He scored 5 points per game and averaged 5 assists. In his 39 starts last season he averaged 7 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds.
His assist to turnover ratio was an impressive 5.1 to 1.56. This is very similar to what Daniels brought to the floor for the Sonics.
His shooting is not a strong point. He is a career 38% from the field. On the positive side he should be able to stretch the defense as a career 36% three point shooter. Over the past two seasons, Brunson has really added the three to his game and has hit 206 of 547 attempts for 38%
This will be the Temple graduates 7th team in the NBA. He started his career as an undrafted free agent with the Portland Trailblazers. Since he has bounced around, but a great sign of what type of player and person Brunson is that three teams have had him back for a second run.
According to sources the contract is a 1 year deal for the minimum contract. That will not count against the Sonics mid-level exception.


LOCKE’S TAKE –
This isn’t going to wow anyone but it makes a lot of sense. The Sonics have decided to play a 4 guard line-up next season with Brunson backing-up of Ridnour. Brunson is the ultimate back-up point guard. He doesn’t turn the ball over. He is just good enough that he can hurt the other team. He has been through so much as a player that you know he isn’t going to rock the boat wanted more time or more shots. His performance this last year with the Clippers was strong enough that if Ridnour gets hurt he could run the team for a short period of time.
The real issue is with Ridnour’s development and the likelihood that he will be playing 34 minutes a night next season the Sonics have moved into a realm where the back-up point guard becomes an interchangeable part every two years or so. Therefore, Brunson is a very good answer at the back-up position.
Interesting comparison to who AD was when the Sonics acquired him. Daniels last year in Portland he average 3.7 points and 1 assist in 13 minutes a night. I doubt Bronson will be able to what AD did last year for the Sonics, but you would have never imagined AD would have done that when he came to Seattle.

THIS WEEK FOR THE SONICS

The singings and real movement in the NBA is finally going to happen. It moratorium is expected to be pulled on Tuesday and then it is down to business.
Here is what to watch for this week from a Sonics standpoint.
Today, Vlady Radmanovic and his agent, Dave Bauman, will be in town and meeting the Sonics brass. The Sonics currently have a 6 year 39 million dollar deal on the table. The two sides will try to reach a common ground to sign a long term deal. If not Radmanovic will be forced to sign the 1 year tender agreement at 3.2 million dollars. Bauman has said if that is what they are forced to do it is a sign that Radmanoivc’s Sonics career will be over at the end of the year. He says it would show a lack of faith in his client from the Sonics.
Also on Tuesday the not so mystery suitor of Damien Wilkins may be revealed. The Sonics are hoping to keep Wilkins by using a portion of their mid-level exception. According to sources Wilkins turned down a $16 million offer from the Portland Trailblazers. I talked with his agent Mark Bartlestein today and he said, “There are a few teams involved, I don’t want to comment on specifics, because there are still a lot of ways this can go.”
On Wednesday, the Sonics will announce the signing that was the key to the off-season. Ray Allen will hold his press conference and the Sonics will have their franchise piece in tack for 5 years at nearly 80 million dollars.
Flip Murray is a bit of a wild card. The Sonics are planning on signing Murray while his camp is desperately attempting to set his market value by receiving an offer sheet. However, no teams are willing to have their money tied up for 7 days on an offer sheet.
I don’t anticipate much on the Reggie Evans front. Everything sounds like that will linger all the way into September. There is a good chance that Evans is left with the one year tender.
The Sonics will continue discussions with Vitaly Potapenko about returning to Seattle. The advantage of Potapenko is the Sonics don’t have to use any of their mid-level exception.
Lastly, the fringe signing will be the keys for the Sonics. The Sonics have spotlighted various players that they anticipate to slip through the market and could become available very much the way Jerome James did 5 years ago and Antonio Daniels did 2 years ago.

MARINERS PURGE CONTINUES

The Mariners purge continued today as they released Aaron Sele from the roster. The Mariners filled his roster spot by recalling Jorge Campillo from Tacoma.
Campillo has been battling injuries over the past month but, made his first start off the injury last week and will now fill the rotation spot of Sele.
This is the beginning of numerous moves to cleanse the roster of pieces that will not be a part of the Mariners re-birth.
Rumors persist that the Mariners are close to calling up Felix Hernandez from Tacoma and placing him the rotation as well. Some reports have Hernandez pitching in Detroit as early as Thursday.
Once again we are experiencing major league tryouts at the big league level. This is what the minor league system is defined to do. Last year, the Mariners struck out completely in finding anyone who was ready for the big leagues in this tryout period.
Julio Mateo seems to have the most consistent stuff on the staff. Why wouldn’t Mateo be moved into the starting rotation.
Other players that may be on the chopping block include Shiggy, Matt Thorton and Joel Pineiro.