No, Congress is NOT Canceling the Super Bowl

God bless Cable News. Sometimes they just can't resist trying to scare the living crap out of people. They'll grab an obscure part of a story that has almost no chance of impacting anyone, spin it and make it sound like it could happen at any second.

And the folks at Fox News are experts at it. It never ceases to amaze us how many outlandish, untrue statements their hosts make in the name of fear...and never get called out for making.

Monday morning they were at it again.

Fox Business reporter and noted sports expert (sarcasm) Lauren Simonetti reported that Congress might cancel the Super Bowl if the government stops backing insurance companies who offer terrorism insurance for big events.

Simonetti reported that if there is not a deal by December 31st, the Super Bowl will NOT be played. That nobody will insure it. And the league would have to cancel the game or be on the hook for an incident that is HIGHLY unlikely to ever happen. (You have a better chance of getting hit by lightning, a cruise missile and eaten by a shark--on the same day)



Yes, apparently the NFL is aware of the insurance provision but fear not Fox loving football fan...they have NO intention of letting Congress...or anyone else call off the Super Bowl.

In regards to reports that Super Bowl could be in jeopardy due to expiring terrorism insurance, NFL said, "The Super Bowl will be played."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2014

Super Bowl 52 Goes to Twin Cities

((HT: KFAN Radio))

The town and the Vikings ownership group used this video to court the National Football League for a January-February football game


Indianapolis was knocked out on the first vote and Minneapolis beat out New Orleans for the Roman Numeral Classic
((HT: KARE-TV))
"On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to thank Co-Chairs Doug Baker, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, and Richard Davis, and the Minnesota Vikings, for their superb and successful efforts to bring the 2018 Super Bowl to Minnesota," Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement. "Hosting the Super Bowl will provide a terrific opportunity to showcase Minnesota to the world. It will also bring major economic benefits to our state."
The Vikings will play outdoors on the University of Minnesota campus for the next two seasons while the new barn is being built. The 2016 season will be the first in the new building for the Vikes. Houston, the new San Francisco stadium, and Arizona will be in play before Minnesota.

And, now, Atlanta is on the want and on the clock for the 2019 game...

You Win, You Get Speeches Like This...

((HT: KING5-TV Seattle))

Okay, let's face it...
The commercials, save a select few, and the game were both awful...

But since Seattle won...
The HQ figured we'd show you the postgame speech Pete Carroll gave his team after the dismantling of Denver- scoring every possible way to win the 48th Roman Numeral Classic...

Post by KING 5 Sports.

The parade, for those of you who plan on going, is set for Wednesday morning...

Steve Gleason's #SB48 Ad...

((HT: Microsoft their own selves))

Full disclosure...

The HQ is a proud supporter of Team Gleason as we hope a cure for ALS can be found...

We're touched by the lives of Steve, Jeremy Williams, and Kevin Turner as they fight...

Sunday, Steve will have a Microsoft ad running...
And you may as well go ahead and get a tissue...

Or three...

NFLPA's Smith Goes After Goodell On Sherman

((HT: CBS News))

It's Super Bowl week...
Which means the media are looking for topics to talk about for the two week period...

And, this time out, the topic was Richard Sherman...

"CBS This Morning" gave NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith a platform...

Guess what he did...??? He was critical toward the Commissioner...

Who knew...???

Puppy Sends Clydesdale Into Defense Mode For 48th Big Game

((HT: Budweiser))

The HQ is just going to let this play... because it's so damn cute...


See...???

Cute...

Twin Cities Wants 2018 Super Bowl

((HT: KSTP-TV))

In the light of this outdoor Roman Numeral Classic in the metroplex, the Twin Cities are chasing the idea of having the 52nd renewal in their new building...

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was surrounded by the normal amount of muckety-mucks who said that they wanted the game in the city...

There's a three-person campaign team and a five-person steering committee
Whatever those are...

Here's the presser and the initial amount of publicity the state is chasing...


The last time a game of that type was in Minneapolis-St. Paul was 1992...

NFL Bad Lip Reading is Comedy Gold

Consider this your Super Bowl warm-up act.

The geniuses at "BadLipReading" have struck again. They've produced another in their series of NFL Bad Lip Reading videos and it's pretty damn funny.

We'll spare you the big buildup and go straight to the video.

You're welcome for the share:

No Seat for You: E.Rutherford Mayor Gets No Super Bowl Tickets

Met Life Stadium

((ht: nydailynews.com))

So, it sounds like not EVERY VIP in the free civilized world will be at and complaining about the cold at this years Super Bowl.

East Rutherford, New Jersey mayor Jim Cassella won't be in attendance, this despite the game being played inside his city limits.

That's because Cassella was not one of the small handful of New York Giants fans lucky enough to win a lottery for the coveted tickets. And according to the New York Daily News, the fact that he's a $10,000 a year PSL (personal seat license) holder didn't help either.

In fact, according to the Daily News, the NFL is basically shunning East Rutherford instead holding pretty much every game related event in New York City instead.

Read more about Cassella's plight from the Daily News RIGHT HERE

To be perfectly honest, we don't shed, well any tears for Cassella. But it illustrates the point we continually make that nobody outside the "mega-rich" and the media get to attend the Super Bowl. You will not see many if any "12th Men" from Seattle or Denver's fan group or any other hardcore fans in the stadium

No, you'll get to see lots of FOX-TV network celebrities, tons of C-List celebrities and various corporate executives.

With tickets going for four figures on Stub Hub and other ticket broker sites, there will be precious few people who can afford to see the game. And to be perfectly honest, outside the ability to say you were at such a game, it won't be fun. It's going to be cold. It's going to be crowded and you are going to have to be there hours in advance.

Why pay $5000 to go to a game that is going to look better on your HDTV and comes with concessions that cost only as much as you pay for them every week at your own grocery store?

For you Sportswriters preparing to complain about the game conditions, here's a look at what conditions around New Jersey look like just a little over a week out.

Story courtesy WCBS-TV

 

No Tailgating, No Walking and Limited Parking at Super Bowl (No Fun For You)

((ht: espn.com))

Of course the catch with this story is you actually have to get a ticket to Super Bowl XLVIII, which, unless you are a sponsor, corporate executive, a-d level celebrity you are not likely to get.

Super Bowl committee chairman Al Kelly told ESPN.com that all the rules listed in the title will be in play. And of course that means even more limited access to America's most popular sporting event.

Kelly says only 13,000 parking spaces/passes will be available at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium and as long as you stay within the confines of your parking spaces lines, you can do whatever you want. But he also adds, they'll be looking for you.

Kelly also added that anyone looking to get dropped off (that's you celebrities) will need a pass for their limo. For everyone else, the recommendation is they take a bus.

Yes, the committee will provide buses (The Fan Express) from 9 different lots, at a charge of $51 for potential riders.

Oh, he also added nobody will be able to "Walk Up" to the stadium.

Read the entire ESPN.com story RIGHT HERE

So...before you say we are just being snarky about the whole Super Bowl experience, we aren't. Do you actually know anyone who has gotten a ticket? And if they did, was it anywhere below the highest 15 rows of said stadium?

Trust us, we've worked Super Bowl games, they are a lot less fun in person than they are on TV. Even more so these days. With the added security measures now in place for the event, it will take hours for everyone to get in.

If you have a ticket.

As much as attending a Super Bowl is on almost every fans short list, we don't recommend it. And if you do it, bring your wallet.

The general public (you and me) aren't really welcome at the game. The NFL honestly doesn't care if you go or not. Unless you are a real VIP, own a large corporation or have been on TV before. It's true...really it's true.

Titans Owner Bud Adams Passes Away

The end of the "Old School" NFL owner is close at hand.

One of the AFL owners (pre-AFC) and current owner of the Tennessee Titans, Bud Adams passed away over the weekend at his Houston home.

Bud Adams was 90-years old.

Adams signed on to buy and run the Houston Oilers at the beginning of the AFL, which started playing in competition with the NFL in 1960. The two leagues would eventually merge in 1970.

Adams popularity in his hometown, Houston soared in the 70's as the Oilers rode star RB Earl Campbell and coach Bum Phillips to multiple conference championships, though they never played in a Super Bowl.

However, that popularity ended quickly when Adams made the decision, after years of flirtation, to leave his home town and move his franchise to Nashville. A move that shocked the people of Nashville almost as much as it did the people of Houston.

He cut all ties and kept the Oilers name while transitioning the team in Nashville to become the Tennessee Titans in 1996.

As someone who was living--and working in Nashville at the time of the move, it was a surreal experience. I actually attended a press conference on a cold February night in 1996 at the Nashville mayor's office to make the "announcement". I didn't believe my assignment manager when I was given the task.

Adams finally got his Super Bowl wish in 1999-2000, when the Titans won the AFC Championship game only to lose a nailbiter to the St. Louis Rams.

He'll be remembered by the NFL as one of their most unique and in their minds loyal owners, ever.

An odd bird by any recollection, in his later (last couple) of years, Adams may very well be most remembered for this in 2009:

Reports: Bruno Mars to be Your Super Bowl Halftime Performer

((ap.org))

Multiple outlets, including the Associated Press are reporting the NFL has made the decision of all decisions, the most newsworthy thing any of you could possibly ever think of.

They've picked the Super Bowl half-time musical performer.

And contrary to their previous track record of going for performers from the 80's or aging rockers, this time they are going current.

Your performance choice: Bruno Mars.

Mr. Mars will perform on Feb 2, 2014 at what may very well be a frigid MetLife stadium in front of a sellout crowd of rich people and millions watching at home.

He's big with the lady-folk....

For those of you not familiar with his work:

NFL Puts Joe Flacco Poster on Broncos Stadium, Sports Anchor Goes Vandal...

From Twitter

Uh....who thought this was a good idea?

As most of you insane NFL folks know, kickoff is but nearly a week away. And the hype, if it hasn't already begun, is about to kick in full-throttle.

With that in mind, we give you the marquee to your right, featuring last years Super Bowl MVP, Joe Flacco of the champs, the Baltimore Ravens.

Problem with that: The game is in Denver. Against the Broncos, the team Flacco's Ravens beat to get to the Super Bowl.

Now normally, or at least over the past couple seasons, the NFL is having their defending champs kick off the season with the celebratory 1st game at home. However, the NFL didn't figure in that in Baltimore, the Orioles (baseball team) already had a game scheduled for the same night. And for those of you who've never been to Baltimore, the two stadiums, they are next to each other.

The NFL asked the Orioles to reschedule and much to the dismay of several NFL writers, the baseball team said no. The NFL was late to the party, they should reschedule.

So the game is in Denver Thursday night. Our guess is the Broncos, or at least their fans, probably won't take too kindly to that.

Denver fans don't like it...
No sir, they don't like it one bit...

And CBS Denver sports guy Vic Lombardi took to the streets to protest on his own...
((HT: CBS Denver))

Ever Want To Sneak Into Something...??? How About The Roman Numeral Classic...??? (UPDATE)

((HT: SavannahNow))

The HQ will make the point that we've snuck down into better seats in ball games and movies that we didn't buy tickets for when the movie we bought tickets for really sucked...

But two Savannah State University students made their way onto the floor of the Superdome for the Roman Numeral Classic

Here's their short version...
Well done, sirs, if this in fact what you did... They plan a full-length documentary in the future on their exploits... And that might be worth seeing... UPDATE: The Shield is less than pleased... and, probably, thinking along the lines of a trespassing charge- SINCE THE WHOLE THING WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO... "NFL security is conducting a review and following up with the appropriate authorities in New Orleans," Greg Aiello said in a release...

Of course, they are...

Faulty Relay Switch Caused Super Bowl Brownout (UPDATED)

((ht: nola.com))

Well, the world can rest easy now. The reason for the power outage at last weeks Super Bowl has been found.

The power company Entergy says a "Faulty Electrical Relay Device" caused the 34 minute outage which was breathlessly reported by many news outlets as some sort of major scandal.

According to NOLA.com, the power company explained the relay was there in case of a cable failure between the switchgear and the stadium.

Read the entire NOLA.com story RIGHT HERE

**UPDATE**(3pm)---The company that makes the relay equipment tells NOLA.com that the switch worked properly, that the outage was a result of the electric load current overloading the switchgear relay and tripping it as it was designed to do."

Sorry Entertainment Tonight, it wasn't Beyonce that caused the outage. Hate to tell you ESPN and other sports outlets, its not a problem that should eliminate The Superdome from future Super Bowls. It's a bad switch.

It happens. It happens in homes, it happens in office buildings all over the country. Yeah, sure, the timing was probably not great, but it is not some sort of conspiracy, not a lack of preparation, just a bad piece of equipment.

Rest easy world. Stop castigating the NFL by saying they should have had a plan in case this happened. There's no way to know that it could have happened.

Deal with it.

Here's some sort of OK video to remind you of what happened:

Power Outage Costs Roman Numeral Classic 34 Minutes

And a lot of women went over to Downton Abbey, the HQ is quite sure...

Here's what went down...


And the jokes are all over the place...
This one's the HQ's favorite...


A lot of the HQ has been in positions of having to fill in emergency situations before...

Let us know your favorite joke related to the mess in New Orleans...

Try The Ray Lewis Lasagna For Your Super Bowl Party.

We found this outside a restaurant in suburban Atlanta advertising their Ray Lewis Lasagna for Super Bowl Sunday. The restaurant; Bally's Pizza in Roswell, just north of town. No word on sales this weekend.




A sign outside a restaurant in suburban Atlanta

 

Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to stop and sample the lasagna, though we suspect that more than a few curious customers will. 

You'll remember, it was 13 years ago when Atlanta hosted the Super Bowl that Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar were stabbed to death near the Cobalt Lounge in Buckhead.  Ray Lewis, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting were indicted on murder and aggravated-assault charges.

Ray Lewis plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice and sentenced to 12 months’ probation in exchange for his testimony.

Oakley and Sweeting were acquitted of the charges.

Super Bowl 46: Hits and misses on the Broadcast

It will go down as a "Great Game" because of the finish, not because of the way most of the game was played. Though the now ever-present "Hype Machine" will help that too.

Sure, by now, most of the free-civilized world knows the Giants held off the Patriots and won the Galactic Championship 21-17. And for the most part, for those of us at home it was a decent broadcast.

Before we start our broadcast breakdown, we'll admit we didn't watch the 5-hour pregame show...anyone who did needs to seriously consider making some changes in their lifestyle.

But we did see the last 90 minutes or so...and though long and repetitive, there were things we liked. One- the Steve Gleason feature that Brother Jon mentioned and a solid story on Giants WR Victor Cruz. We did see one blatant act of self-promotion when the "Voice" hosts showed up on a side stage before the Lenny Kravitz song (where's Lenny been the past 5-years?).

The game broadcast was good. Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth were solid and didn't try to over do it on a game that was chock-full of mistakes and sloppy play early on. And most importantly we didn't get an endless parade of stars for the network shows like FOX does when they have the game. Thank God!

The halftime show was surprisingly good. Madonna was much better than expected and we are always a mark for Cee-Lo. Still have no idea who this M.I.A person is, why she was on stage and what possessed her to give a middle finger salute...

What was seriously disappointing during the broadcast....the commercials. The 1st two were just plain awful, and it didn't get much better.

Sure, there were a few that were cute...(see VW, Doritos Dog) one at the half that we really liked (Chrysler with Clint Eastwood) but by and large, they were overhyped and underperforming wastes of money.







But there were some that just left us scratching our heads. It's like...ok...somebody got paid a ton of money to come up with this idea...and then the company spent a fortune to put it on the Super Bowl broadcast?

This was neither funny nor something that would get me to buy an Audi:



And gosh, we like Seinfeld, but this just isn't funny...at all or an enticement to buy this Acura. And having Jay Leno at the end made it even less funny...



Then this...from Cars.com. Somebody collected a paycheck for coming up with this? And they paid a couple million to air it on the "Big Game"? Seriously? Nothing about this says funny or encourages me to use the product..at all.



So...here's what we think about Super Sunday.

NBC Pre-Game: B+. Solid, didn't go the tacky FOX route and stuck to telling stories and breaking down the game. We grade it down because it was incredibly long and repetitive. Even the 90 minutes worth we watched has us screaming for them to get on with the game already.

NBC Game: A-. Very well done for the most part. Collinsworth still has a tendency to state the obvious and can be a bit goofy, saying things that make no sense, but we like the team. No major mistakes...at all.

Halftime: A. Madonna was excellent. Never been a huge fan, but light years better than anybody since McCartney or Prince.

Commercials: C-minus. Just awful. Maybe the bar was raised too high the past few years, but overall this crop of commercials sucked. Not funny, not creative and in many cases...had nothing to do with the product.

So, we come to an end of this years NFL football season. At least until April and the draft. Honestly, once they got past the labor lockout it was a season much like any other. Some good stories, some bad stories but very typical of any other NFL season.

For those of you suffering withdrawls, go take a vacation, go play golf, go to a beach...do something to get out of your house and experience life, you might find you like what's out there.

Tom Brady's wife blames receivers for loss

((ht: theinsider.com))

Yeah, I know, we're crediting a stupid Hollywood gossip show for a video on a Sports website, but it is pretty good video.

In it, Mrs. Tom Brady, supermodel Giselle Bundchen is heading towards her husband in the Super Bowl losing New England Patriots locker room. On her way there, she gets heckled by some New York Giant fans who essentially say "Eli owns your husband".

She didn't like that.

If you watch, as she gets near the elevator, she fires back saying in effect, it wasn't her husbands (F***ing) fault the Patriots lost, he can't throw it...and catch the ball at the same time. "I can't believe they dropped the ball so many times"

Uh...not good. Way to throw Brady's teammates under the bus..

She's already done a great job of essentially putting Brady's balls in the freezer and sissifying him...this is gonna make it 1000-times worse.

Cold Blooded: Pats Cut Tiquan Underwood

It's fairly normal for any Shield team to cut someone the week of a game, and maybe even the day before...

But the day before the Roman Numeral Classic...???

Yup...

The Pats cut WR Tiquan Underwood in favor of activating a fellow Rutgers grad- DL Alex Silvestro- off the practice squad. It was a move that was strictly bid-ness as the team needed more D-lineman and special teams help with the lingering effects of Rob Gronkowkski's high ankle sprain.

Underwood has been surprisingly upbeat about the whole thing Tweeting:

Good Luck To The New Enland Organization, The Coaches, & All My Teammates... #PatsNation

Underwood will get his game share, win or lose... and a ring if the Patriots win. This means that Eight-Five will be active as one of the receivers for the game in Indy.

Ed Werder has more...
((HT: ESPN))