TY's TD Celebration Gets An "Awwww...."

((HT: Will Brinson's Vine))

Here's the context...

Colts WR TY Hilton is a new dad this week and, pretty much, promised at least one touchdown for his new baby girl.

Here's what happened in the endzone after the score


See, the HQ told you it was cute...

DEVELOPING: Irsay Fined $500K, Suspended 6 Games

((HT: WISH-TV))

As an after-effect of his plea bargain that led to one misdemeanor count of operating while intoxicated, the National Football League has suspended Indianpolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for six games and fined him half-a-million dollars- the maximum amount under league rules.

Irsay sent out the following statement shortly after the announcement of his suspension:

I acknowledge the mistake I made last March and stand responsible for the consequences of that mistake, for which I sincerely apologize to our community and to Colts fans everywhere. Even more importantly, though, I am committed to do everything in my power to turn this whole experience into a positive event for myself, my family, and the community. In retrospect, I now know that the incident opened my eyes to issues in my life that needed addressing and helped put me on the path to regain my health. I truly hope and pray that my episode will help in some small measure to diminish the stigma surrounding our country’s terrible and deadly problem of addiction. It is a disease like other progressive, terminal diseases—one that can only be successfully treated by understanding, committed hard work, and spiritual growth. I am deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during these past few months from my family, friends, care-givers, and our great community. Please know I am firmly committed to staying on my path to good health and I look forward to a great season.

Here's the latest after the arraignment in Indianapolis


Irsay cannot be present at the Colts facility, practices, or games. He cannot be at any league or league committee meetings- or anything involving any other team for that matter. He also cannot do media interviews or say anything team-related on any form of social media... something he always was fond of doing on his Twitter feed.

He will also be subject to treatment, counseling, and testing during his suspension.

Irsay Arrested Overnight, Faces Four Felony Counts

((HT: WTHR-TV))

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay failed multiple sobriety tests after being pulled over early this morning in suburban Indianapolis and faces four felony counts- including Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held on a $22,500 bond and is set to face a judge early Monday afternoon.

"During the course of the investigation, Irsay subsequently failed several roadside field sobriety tests," Carmel (IN) police Lt. Joe Bickel said in a release.

While searching Irsay's vehicle, "multiple prescription drugs were discovered in pill bottles. These Schedule IV prescription drugs were not associated with any prescription bottles found in the vehicle," according to the police.

The Colts released the standard statement Monday morning:

"We are gathering information at this time regarding last night's incident involving Jim Irsay. The team will issue additional statements when the facts are sorted and we are aware of the next steps to this process.

"Many fans have reached out to express their concern and we appreciate their support."

The NFL issued a one sentence statement relaying that Irsay "will be subject to discipline."

Here's the breaker from this morning...
13 WTHR Indianapolis

As one who uses his Twitter for conversation, it will be interesting to see if (or how) he addresses it on his account...

ICYMI: Wild Wild Card Games Trim Field By 2

((HT: NFL on NBC))

Two games, three points separating teams from advancing to the next round... and it was two games that came at you from two different directions...

The early game was one that the HQ thought was absolutely done when the Indianapolis Colts were down 28. But, as we were shown, Andrew Luck can add another comeback to his stacks of feats and Chuck Pagano can call a 45-44 comeback one of his best coaching jobs around...

It's only the second time in playoff history a team rallied from a deficit of 28 or more points for the win. Buffalo trailed by 32 (35-3) before beating the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime in January 1993 (the Frank Reich-led comeback for those of you who can't remember that far back).

Luck's first career playoff victory sends Indianapolis to play either Denver or New England next weekend...

Here's Eric Allen breaking it down...
((HT: ESPN))


The nightcap was a test for Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints since they haven't won a road playoff game in his tenure (0-3 versus 4-0 at home) and, after a first half where they were kept in check by Philadelphia's defense, they found their rhythm in the second half.

It took a last-second Shayne Graham field goal for the 26-24 win and a trip to Seattle...


And that's why the Saints picked him up after letting Garrett Hartley go...

DEVELOPING: Colts Trade For Trent Richardson

((HT: WKYC-TV))

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was hinting through his Twitter feed at something huge on his squad...

And, depending on who you ask, trading for Trent Richardson for a 2014 #1 draft pick is a blockbuster to Irsay...

Jim Donovan thinks the deal is a building block for 2014...
With a bundle of quarterbacks available in the draft next season (Bridgewater, Carr, Manziel, etc.) it's easy to see where the Browns thoughts are- especially with the injury to Brandon Weeden staring them in the face and Brian Hoyer being the starter this week...

Guess what...???

Yep, that's what...

Even if Browns CEO Joe Banner thinks he has to find a way to get the fan's trust back... and this deal was no way to get that idea done...

Pam Oliver Shakes It Off...

((HT: NFL on FOX/jeffallen71 via Instagram))

This happened pre-game to Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver before the New York Giants-Indianapolis Colts game...



For the record, it was Chandler Harnish who through the wild pass, not Oliver Luck, Bert Jones, or Marty Domres...

Looks like she shook it off very well...
Carry on...

NFL Arrests Continue: Colts Safety Arrested in D.C

((ht: indystar.com))

Add Indianapolis Colts safety Joe Lefeged to the list of NFL players arrested this offseason. And yes, that list is getting uncomfortably long.

Lefeged was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly being the passenger in a car that sped away from police during a traffic stop in Washington D.C.

Oh, after the chase ended, a non-registered gun was found in the front seat.

He's facing a variety of gun related charges. The driver of the car, a Timothy Wilson was also arrested and has some traffic offenses to deal with too.

The full story from the Indianapolis Star RIGHT HERE

This just adds to an offseason that has featured nearly 30-players being arrested since the season officially ended in mid-February. And while maybe that wouldn't be considered an "Epidemic", we are reasonably certain the league and Commissioner Jolly Roger Goodell are probably none too pleased about this.

The Colts haven't at this time (1:30pm Saturday) released a statement regarding Lefeged's arrest. However, this is a small sliver of what appears to be, an-NFL-wide problem.

PM UPDATE: A statement was released four hours later and it was insightful...

We are aware of the reports regarding Joe Lefeged in Washington, D.C. At this time, we will have no further comment on the pending matter until we gain more information.

Of course...

Chuck Pagano medically cleared to coach Colts

((ht: indystar.com))

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has been given clearance by his doctors to return to the sidelines whenever he sees fit.

You'll recall Pagano went through a serious round of chemotherapy in his battle with leukemia. The leukemia was diagnosed back in September and Bruce Arians has coached the Colts for most of the season.

According to the Indianapolis Star, Pagano's doctor says the coach is "99 percent recovered from his standpoint".

The Colts are 9-5 on the season and are closing in on a playoff berth. They have games left Sunday at Kansas City and finish at home vs. Houston.

Colts Cheerleaders Are ChuckStrong

((HT: Huffington Post))

The Indianapolis Colts have rallied around their head coach, Chuck Pagano, as he has been fighting leukemia and has had to be away from the team during treatment...

ChuckStrong tees are all over the team website and all over Indianapolis in support for fighting the disease...

Support has now even taken hold with the cheerleaders...

Yesterday, Megan M. and Crystal Anne shaved their heads in support of the cause...

Here's the trimming...


Crystal Anne overcame leukemia when she was three, so this was a no-brainer...
The hair is going to be sent to Locks of Love...

Colts shave heads to honor Chuck Pagano

Photo Courtesy: @mattoverton_ls

((ht: cbssports.com))

It's impossible not to respect Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, his battle with leukemia and his team rallying around him.

Pagano was diagnosed a little over a month ago and has been undergoing a heavy dose of chemotherapy while on leave from his job.

And the good news, Monday his doctors told him the cancer was in remission.

His team continues to support him and #teamchuckstrong and today several of them including long snapper Matt Overton, punter Pat McAfee and kicker Adam Vinatieri showed up in the locker room with their heads shaved. (see picture)

In case you missed it; Pagano made an appearance this past Sunday in the locker room  and gave what can only be called an "Inspirational" post-game speech.

Colts Pagano Diagnosed With Leukemia

((HT: SiriusXM))

The Indianapolis Colts had a press conference earlier this morning to disclose that head coach Chuck Pagano is fighting leukemia and will be away from coaching for the forseeable future...

Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians has been named the interim head coach and was the one speaking for Pagano at the presser. He is a cancer survivor himself.

"These first few days are really hard on you," Arians said. "Today's about Chuck."

Pagano was evaluated for bruising, which eventually uncovered the leukemia.

"He wants to deal with this challenge in a very forthright fashion," said Dr. Larry Cripe, Pagano's doctor.

Pagano has acute promyelocytic leukemia, which is a cancer of the bone marrow.

Here's Pagano with Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo catching up with the coach on Radio Row discussing how he got the Colts gig...


Cripe gave the word "favorable" when discussing remission...

Mike Vanderjagt resurfaces...and is in trouble

((ht: naplesnews.com))

Yes, you read the headline correctly. Former Indianapolis Colts placekicker Mike Vanderjagt has made the news.

And it is not for a good thing unfortunately.

Vanderjagt never recovered from having the reputation of being a great regular season but lousy playoff performer. He also got in trouble for running his mouth. At one point, he criticized then coach Tony Dungy and then QB Peyton Manning. The famous quote "He got liquored up and was running his mouth was Manning reacting to that interview.

Vanderjagt was let go by the Colts in 2006 and aside from a brief shot with the Dallas Cowboys, he essentially was done in the NFL

Well, it seems the guy Rodney Harrison once called "Vander-jerk" is back in the news. He apparently has been a volunteer soccer coach at Marco Charter Middle School near Naples. And apparently Vanderjagt had been relentlessly teased by some kids who kept yelling "Wide Left" to him during a soccer match.

Ouch....

Well, Vanderjagt apparently lost his cool, grabbed the kid around the throat and threatened him. Uh...that's not good.

You can read about it from the Naples Daily News RIGHT HERE

For what it is worth, Vanderjagt apparently has apologized and deeply regrets his mistake. Unfortunately, the incident was being investigated by police. (It happened in March)

The good news for him is that he ended up not being charged. The bad news is, the incident cost him his job. Fair? Hard for us to say. All we can add is while we believe Vanderjagt probably got caught up in the moment, he needs to have slightly thicker skin.

Just sayin'...

Peyton Manning and Colts to divorce: What is next?

Yeah, sure. We know. It isn't a surprise and it has already been reported that Peyton Manning is going to be let go today (Wed.) by the only team that he's ever played for--the Indianapolis Colts.

And unfortunately, its something that had to happen.

The official announcement is going to be made at a Noon Wednesday presser in Indy.

Colts owner Jim Irsay did what he had to do. And it is one of the tougher decisions in Sports.

What do you do when your franchise guy ages and is due a ton of money, enough money that it would prevent you from rebuilding your team?

You do what Irsay is doing. And he had to do it this week...or he was going to pay Manning $25 million to stick around for a year or two to teach Andrew Luck the ropes while the team suffers.

And yeah, it has been messy at times. The two made some public quotes they probably regret about it, but last night (Tuesday) they flew to Indy together and seemed to be okay with what was going to happen.

WTHR caught the pair arriving at Indianapolis International Airport:



The question that now is out there: "Where does he go and is he ready to play?"

The answer isn't simple.

There are several teams that will be interested. The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and a couple of other quarterback challenged teams will call.

But we think he's going to end up in Miami.

Why?

It's a team that has a lot going for themselves. Good Running Back (Reggie Bush), good receivers and a pretty good defense. Plus a former offensive coordinator (Joe Philbin) at head coach.

Will he be the Manning of old?

Probably not. But he's an upgrade for the Dolphins or any of these teams. He's not going to get a $25 million deal here and shouldn't. But for 2 or 3 years he may be a good fit.

Only time will tell if he recaptures the magic...or becomes Joe Montana in Kansas City...or Joe Namath with the Rams...or John Unitas in San Diego. (These are old school guys who played a couple of years past their prime)

We 1st met Peyton when he played at Tennessee, we've interviewed him a few times since and he's always been a fantastic interview. And he also has a sense of humor...and a good commercial pitch guy.



Here's highlights of the presser...
((HT: WISH-TV))

WATCH: Irsay, Manning news conference: wishtv.com

Rob Lowe blasted for tweet about Peyton Manning

Wow!

The Twitter sportswriting community has been all abuzz on a Wednesday afternoon over a somewhat odd tweet from an odd source.

Actor @Rob Lowe apparently tweeted this afternoon: "Hearing my fave, #18 Peyton Manning will not return to #NFL. Wow. #Colts


Before getting to the responses, there is apparently no truth to the rumor, with Manning's father, Archie telling the Indianapolis Star (laughing) "He ain't retiring. I think he would have told me."


The Indianapolis Star has more RIGHT HERE

What is oddly fascinating here is the response. And it was a pretty vitriolic response...from Sportswriters who seemed to think Lowe was trying to encroach on their territory and break news.

A sampling of responses:

@realfreemancbs (Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com): "Rob Lowe...shut up"
@bobkravitz( Bob Kravitz Indy Star Colts writer ): "I better not get beat on Manning story by Rob Lowe. Although I liked Youngblood. His dad in movie, Eric Nesterenko, was my HS hockey coach"
@AlbertBreer (Albert Breer of NFL.com): "I enjoyed Rob Lowe's work in Tommy Boy"
@SI_JoeLemire (Joe LeMire of SI.com): "Rob Lowe does play a sitcom character who lives in Indiana. This could simply be terrific grassroots marketing. #Peytonmanning. #Parksandrec"
@FoxSports: : "Breaking News from Pawnee, Indiana insider, Rob Lowe! #Colts #Manning"


Okay, so it is a slow news day and we found this quite funny. Either way, take a breath Indianapolis Fans, Peyton isn't retiring...yet. You can rest assured, though Lowe may be friends with Jim Irsay, someone other than Lowe will be the 1st to report it.

So with that in mind....

Here is a look at the "Youngblood" movie, mentioned by Mr. Kravitz:

BREAKING: Colts Fire Jim Caldwell

Now, we really know who's in charge...

That would be Jim Irsay...

Here's early discussion from Bristol...
((HT: ESPN))


And here's early returns from Dave Calabro and WTHR-TV in Indy...

Polians Out Of Indy, The Search For The Future Begins

((HT: NFLNetwork/TheNFLOnDemand))

And it appears that the re-working of the Indianapolis Colts begins.

The statement from Jim Irsay:

"It was difficult. It was time. It was the right decision to make," Irsay said. "There is so much that goes into a decision like this. It's difficult because of the close relationship Bill and I have."

Bill and his son, Chris, were part and parcel to the building of the franchise over the last thirteen years.

Here was the early analysis out of Los Angeles...


The larger questions that may be out in play now are the future of Peyton Manning and head coach Jim Caldwell- both issues, Irsay said at his afternoon presser, would be decided when the new GM is in place.