| Hectic schedule delights Gunter
Cardiff and Wales defender Chris Gunter is delighted to get his season back on track after four games in nine days. The full-back, 18, had been struggling for a place at Ninian Park before impressing in Wales' draws with the Republic of Ireland and Germany. He then returned to the Bluebirds side for Saturday's vital win over Ipswich and Monday's 0-0 draw at Leicester. "It's been unbelievable, I didn't expect to play for Wales then to get back for Cardiff was superb," he said. .
Steelers, NFL should be ashamed of conditions
There is no excuse — none — for the conditions the Pittsburgh Steelers provided for their game Monday Night against the Miami Dolphins. It was a travesty of football and an insult to the NFL, the players, the fans, and anyone who turned on a television in the hopes of enjoying Monday Night Football. It was a disgrace. The announcers kept talking about old-school football and summoning the names of the Chicago Staleys and Canton Bulldogs from the earliest days of the league, but that was an insult to those teams and those times. I've seen old-school football in old Cleveland Stadium in the days before modern drainage and turf science. Those games were played in mud. This one was played in a bog. .
Redskins' Taylor dead after shooting at home
ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder's eyes were red. His voice cracked and was barely audible. Next to him sat coach Joe Gibbs, barely more composed.Safety Sean Taylor's violent death had left his team in tears and the NFL in mourning."This is a terrible, terrible tragedy," Snyder said.Taylor died early Tuesday of a gunshot wound from an apparent intruder, a tragic end for a 24-year-old man whose life was transformed by the birth of a daughter 18 months ago."We're going to miss him," Gibbs said. "I'm not talking about as a player. I'm talking about as a person."A day earlier, Taylor and his girlfriend were awakened by loud noises, according to family friend Richard Sharpstein, who learned the details from Taylor's girlfriend, Jackie Garcia. He said Taylor grabbed a machete he keeps in the bedroom for protection.Someone then broke through the bedroom door and fired two shots, one missing and one hitting Taylor, Sharpstein said.
Owls football has local flavor
Three Berkshire County athletes were members of the Westfield State football team this fall. They are junior Shane Parrott of Pittsfield (Taconic), junior Joe Salvatore of Dalton (Wahconah) and freshman Nick Panetti of Pittsfield (Pittsfield). Parrott is a 6-foot-3, 305 pound lineman. "Shane was our starting offensive tackle who showed great improvement over the last two years," coach Steve Marino said. "He will be a three-year starter next year and anchor a very experienced offensive line." Salvatore, a 6-foot, 270-pounder, is also a member of that offensive line. "Joe won the starting guard job this year because of his toughness and enthusiasm," Marino said. "He also played in the backfield in our goal line package." Panetti, a 6-foot, 256-pound lineman, saw action as a backup.
NFL Notes
MIAMI -- Ricky Williams' latest comeback lasted one game. The Miami Dolphins running back will miss the rest of the season with a torn chest muscle, according to his agent, Leigh Steinberg. Williams was hurt Monday at Pittsburgh, when he played in his first game in nearly two years. He returned following a 1 1/2 -year suspension for his latest violation of the NFL drug policy. He played for the Toronto Argonauts during the 2006 season. The team was off yesterday, and a spokesperson for the Dolphins said they had no comment on Williams' status. Williams was injured in the second quarter after he fumbled. After being tackled, he was accidentally stepped on while chest-down on the ground. Williams finished with 15 yards in six carries, and the Dolphins lost 3-0 on a last-minute field goal. CARNEY LATEST CHIEFS KICKER KANSAS CITY, Mo.
On the schedule today
As you check out the sports page today, make sure to notice our dual (not duel) chats. First, at noon, NBA editor Brian Styers holds forth on "thee association." Even if you don't want to spend your lunch break with Brian -- but who wouldn't? -- you can send in your questions ahead of time and check in later for his pithy replies. Just as you've collected all the NBA nuggets that were possible, Nate Davis checks in at 2 p.m. with NFL fantasy tips and more. You can send in your queries ahead of time, of course. If you're reading this, make sure to ask him what to do for self-punishment if you benched Jason Hanson of Detroit in favor of Jeff Reed just before Thanksgiving. Hanson had a huge game, scoring close to 20 points in leagues that reward long-distance kicks and Reed made the game winner on Monday Night but missed a kick earlier resulting in a fantasy score of one point.
FootballGenerals.com Debuts Weekly Pro Football Head Coach Rankings - Belichick, Dungy, Phillips at Top After Week 12
Statistically, the New England Patriots' Bill Belichick has been the best coach in professional football this year, according to the website FootballGenerals.com. Launched today, FootballGenerals provides the only statistical, weekly rankings of NFL head coaches, along with coach-related news. .
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