Giants announce 2018 training camp schedule

I'm marking my calendar!

From Giants.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants have announced the schedule for their 2018 training camp, which will be presented by Toyota. The camp will feature 9 practice sessions open to the public at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, which is located on the MetLife Sports Complex. The first practice session will take place on Thursday, July 26 at 2:45 p.m.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: All practices will be held at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

Admission: All practice sessions will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis throughout training camp (July 26-Aug. 7). Limited seating is provided alongside the practice fields. There is no admission charge for watching training camp practices. Gates open one hour before each practice session begins.

Fan Guidelines: All fans in attendance are expected to adhere to the Fan code of conduct that can be found at Giants.com/fanguide. Please Note: The training camp practice sessions are an alcohol-free and family friendly experience. This includes all activities both inside and outside the Training Camp area. All fans attending practice will be subject to security screening before entering the seating area.

Fan Parking: Parking is free and located in Lot K on the grounds of the MetLife Sports Complex. Lot K will open up for parking two hours prior to the start of practice. The parking lot will close one hour following the conclusion of practice.

Fan Amenities: Restroom facilities, concession stands, cooling tents, and a free kids' activity area will be available.

Autographs: Select Giants legends will sign autographs during each practice for all fans. A listing of those Giants legends and the dates they will sign will be released on Giants.com. Each day after practice, a rotating group of current Giants players will sign autographs for the first 400 fans age 12 and under. The autograph opportunity will take place behind the Kids’ Zone area. All kids who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to visit the sign-up table with a guardian immediately upon arriving at the practice so that they can receive a wristband. The sign-up table will be located immediately in front of the kids’ autograph area, and all wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once wristbanded, they can enjoy the rest of practice and are encouraged to return 30 minutes prior to the end of practice to be allowed into the autograph area. Kids must have a wristband to be permitted into the autograph area.

Kids’ Zone: Families will love the Big Blue Kids’ Zone at camp, with games, face painting, and inflatables for kids of all ages. The first 200 kids who visit the Big Blue Kids’ Zone at every practice will also receive a special gift. Families can visit the Big Blue Kids’ Zone when the gates open through the end of practice.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather (including rain, wind, thunderstorms or extreme heat), practices will be moved indoors and be closed to the public. Please check Giants.com prior to every practice for up-to-the-minute changes in the daily practice schedule.

Training Camp Schedule Open to the Public*

Thursday, July 26: 2:45 p.m. – Practice
Friday, July 27: 2:45 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, July 28: 2:45 p.m. – Practice

Sunday, July 29: 2:45 p.m. – Practice
Monday, July 30: 2:45 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 1: 2:45 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 2: 10:30 a.m. – Practice
Friday, August 3: 10:30 a.m. – Practice

Tuesday, August 7: 10:30 a.m. – Practice (End of public training camp practices)

*Schedule subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on training camp, visit Giants.com or call the Training Camp Hotline at 201.935.8111 ext. 1070

New York Giants' 2017 Training Camp Open Practice Schedule

The NY Giants head to training camp this week. If you'd like to attend one of their open practices this year, below is the schedule and further information to know before you go.  I've taken my son and father to Giants camp several times in the past. It's a great way to spend a few hours watching and talking about our favorite football team and the upcoming season.

From Giants.com:

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants announced the schedule for their 2017 training camp, which will be presented by Toyota. The camp will feature 11 practice sessions open to the public at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, which is located on the MetLife Sports Complex. The first practice session will take place on Friday, July 28 at 11:40 a.m.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FANS VISITING TRAINING CAMP:

Admission: There is no admission charge for watching training camp workouts. All practices will be held at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center

Fan Guidelines: Practice sessions will be open to the public throughout training camp (July 28-Aug. 14). Limited seating is provided alongside the practice fields. Restroom facilities, concession stands and a free kids' activity area will be available.

Fan Parking: Parking is free and is located in Lot K on the grounds of the MetLife Sports Complex. The lot will open to the public one hour before the scheduled start time of practice and the gates will open 30 minutes before practice begins. The parking lot will close one hour following the conclusion of practice. All fans attending practice will be subject to security screening before entering the seating area.

Autographs: Select Giants legends will sign autographs during practice each day for all fans. A listing of those Giants legends and the dates they will sign will be released on Giants.com.

Each day after practice, a rotating group of current Giants players will sign autographs for the first 400 fans age 12 and under. The autograph opportunity will take place behind the Kids’ Zone area. All kids who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to visit the sign-up table with a guardian immediately upon arriving at the practice so that they can receive a wristband. The sign-up table will be located immediately in front of the kids’ autograph area, and all wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once wristbanded, they can enjoy the rest of practice and are encouraged to return 30 minutes prior to the end of practice to be allowed into the autograph area. Kids must have a wristband to be permitted into the autograph area.

Kids’ Zone: Families will love the Big Blue Kids’ Zone at camp, with games, face painting, and inflatables for kids of all ages. The first 200 kids who visit the Big Blue Kids’ Zone at every practice will also receive a special gift. Families can visit the Big Blue Kids’ Zone when the gates open through the end of practice.

Rain Policy: In the event of inclement weather (including rain, wind, thunderstorms or extreme heat), practices will be moved indoors and be closed to the public. Please check Giants.com prior to every practice for up-to-the-minute changes in the daily practice schedule.

Democratic Committee Investigation Finds NFL Improperly Attempted to Influence NIH on Brain Injury Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2016


Report Concludes NIH Maintained the Integrity of the Grant Review Process But FNIH Did Not Properly Serve Its Role As Intermediary


Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a report today concluding that the National Football League (NFL) improperly attempted to influence the grant review process for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) brain injury study that the NFL had agreed to fund as part of a $30 million donation.

Despite the NFL’s attempts to influence the applicant selection process, the report states that the integrity of NIH’s grant review process was preserved. The report also concludes the Foundation for NIH (FNIH), a non-profit charitable organization whose mission it is to direct funding from public and private donors to NIH projects, did not adequately fulfill its role of serving as an intermediary between NIH and the NFL.

The report is the result of an ongoing Democratic Committee staff investigation, which began shortly after ESPN published an article in December 2015 alleging that the NFL had backed out of funding a NIH study due to the League’s objections to the grantee selected by NIH to conduct the study.

“This investigation confirms the NFL inappropriately attempted to use its unrestricted gift as leverage to steer funding away from one of its critics,” Pallone said. “Since its research agreement with NIH was clear that it could not weigh in on the grant selection process, the NFL should never have tried to influence that process.”

“The NFL’s troublesome interactions with NIH fit a longstanding pattern of attempts to influence the scientific understanding of degenerative diseases and sports-related head trauma. The NFL must recognize the importance of this ongoing, impartial research, and live up to its funding commitments to NIH,” Pallone concluded.

The investigation found that:

1. The NFL improperly attempted to influence the grant selection process at NIH.

2. The NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee members played an inappropriate role in attempting to influence the outcome of the grant selection process.

3. The NFL’s rationalization that the Boston University study did not match their request for a longitudinal study is unfounded.

4. FNIH did not adequately fulfill its role of serving as an intermediary between NIH and the NFL.

5. NIH leadership maintained the integrity of the science and the grant review process.

6. The NFL did not carry out its commitment to respect the science and prioritize health and safety.

The Democratic Committee staff offered several recommendations to address the investigation’s findings:

1. FNIH must establish clearer guidelines regarding donor communications with NIH.

2. FNIH must come to a mutual understanding with donors at the beginning of the process regarding their degree of influence over the research they are funding and remind donors that NIH policy prohibits them from exerting influence at any point in the grant decision-making process.

3. FNIH should provide donors with the clear, unambiguous language from the NIH Policy Manual, which states that a donor may not dictate terms that include “any delegation of NIH’s inherently governmental responsibilities or decision-making,” or “participation in peer review or otherwise exert real or potential influence in grant or contract decision-making.”

4. NIH and FNIH should jointly develop a process to address concerns about donors acting improperly.

5. The NFL, FNIH, and NIH should amend their current agreements to ensure that each party has a clear understanding of its role for the remainder of this partnership.

In September 2012, FNIH announced that the NFL had pledged $30 million in support of research on “serious medical conditions prominent in athletes” that are also relevant to the general population. The program involved agreements between NIH, the NFL, and FNIH, which made clear that NIH retained responsibility and control over the scientific aspects of the program, including the review and awarding of scientific grants. Over the course of the following year, NIH moved forward with four research plans funded by the NFL.

In 2014, NIH recommended a fifth study of high-risk adults to characterize Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in individuals with a history of repetitive head impacts over a three- to five-year period. The study was expected to cost about $17.5 million, with $16.3 million coming from the NFL. The NFL agreed to the plan in July 2014.

In May 2015, after a grant review process, NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) determined that Dr. Robert Stern of Boston University, had the highest ranked proposal. The report details an attempt over three months by both the NFL and members of the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee to argue that Dr. Stern was biased, and that the grant application process had been tainted by conflicts of interest.

At a September meeting, NIH decided to move forward with the BU proposal. NIH concluded that the CTE study was vitally important to public health and safety, and if necessary, NIH would fund it in its entirety using NINDS funds. Ultimately, NFL did not fund the study.

The Democratic Committee staff’s review included requests for information from NINDS at NIH, FNIH, and the NFL, briefings with staff from NIH, FNIH, and the NFL, as well as a review of relevant documents and communications.

NJ WATCHDOG: Christie has no receipts for quarter-million dollars in expenses

Our governor had at work with your tax dollars!

Details of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s $82,000 spending spree at NFL games remain a mystery – despite a release of expense account receipts by the governor’s office.

Receipts for Christie's purchases at New York Giants and Jets home games during the 2010 and 2011 seasons are missing from 597 pages of receipts New Jersey Watchdog obtained through an Open Public Records Act request.

The governor’s office does not have documentation for more than $247,000 in expenses – two-thirds of the $360,000 Christie has spent from his state expense allowance since he took office in 2010, according to a New Jersey Watchdog analysis.

“We have produced to you all of the receipts/invoices/bills that we located,” stated Heather Taylor, the governor’s records custodian and chief ethics officer. “We are not withholding any records based on an OPRA exemption.”

“Every dollar of expenses associated with the discretionary fund has been tracked and accounted for in full,” added Kevin Roberts, Christie’s press secretary, in a prepared statement.

As New Jersey Watchdog previously revealed, Christie’s debit card was used 58 times during the 2010 and 2011 seasons to charge $82,594 to Delaware North Sportservice, operator of the food and beverage concessions at MetLife Stadium. The expenses did not include his free use of luxury boxes, traditionally available to governors at the state-owned venue.

To avoid embarrassment, Christie turned to the New Jersey Republican Committee. The committee reimbursed the state in early 2012 for Christie’s bills at MetLife, plus additional charges the governor racked up at Izod Center. Since then, he has refrained from using his expense account at sporting venues.

The full report – with links to copies of the receipts released by the governor’s office – is online at http://watchdog.org/222152/christie-no-expense-receipts/.

Uncanny Super Bowl 49 Predictions by Madden NFL 15

It's been nearly a week now since Super Bowl 49 ended with the New England Patriots beating the Seattle Seahawks on a play that will go down in Super Bowl lore that will forever be known as "The Call" by those that follow the NFL. It was a play that no one foresaw coming (except for the Patriot's defensive backs) or  that could be predicted without a sneer or snicker from devout fans or pundits. What was predicted from fans, pundits and soothsayer alike ran the gamut from the obvious to the improbable nevertheless. However, no entity was more successful at predicting this year's big game than EA Sports, the makers of the extremely popular video game series Madden NFL

For the past 12 years EA Sports has been running game simulations using its Madden NFL game to predict the eventual outcome of the Super Bowl. In doing so, they have been able to tell us the winners of 9 of the last 12 Super Bowls with uncanny accuracy.

Not only did Madden NFL 15 predict that the Patriots would win, it predicted that they would come from behind in a last minute comeback to defeat the Seahawks by a score of 28-24. It also predicted that:

• The Patriots would score first - Correct
• Tom Brady would win MVP - Correct
• Tom Brady would have 4 touchdown passes - Correct
• Julian Edelman would catch the game winning touchdown - Correct

And came amazingly close to other game day stats such as:

• Tom Brady would pass for 335 yard (he throw for 328, 7 yards shy of total)
• It was only 3 yards and 1 catch away from perfectly calling Julian Edelman’s entire game.
• Halftime score 17 - 14 (game was actually tied at 14)

As I mentioned above, this was the 9th time in 12 years that the Madden NFL game predicted the final outcome of the Super Bowl but by far, this year's game simulation was the most detailed and amazingly accurate one of them all. 

Saturday Morning Cartoon: A Guide To American Football

In honor of the start of the 2014 NFL season, here's a primer for those who have absolutely no idea what football is or what it's all about.

Giants Training Camp schedule announced

The countdown has begun, only two more weeks before the Giants open training camp at their Quest Diagnostic Training Center adjacent to MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford NJ.  I'm going to check out a practice or two before the end of camp.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants announced the schedule for their 2014 Training Camp presented by Toyota at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Camp will feature 16 practice sessions open to the public.


The first practice session will take place on Tuesday, July 22 at 1:20 p.m. The normal training camp schedule has the team on the practice field from 1:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The team is scheduled to conduct an early evening practice from 5:40 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. on August 6th.

General admission seating for approximately 2,000 is available on a first-come basis. Standing room along the fence line of the perimeter of the practice fields is also available. There is no admission charge for watching training camp workouts and parking is free. Public parking is in Lot K on the grounds of the MetLife Sports Complex. The lots will open to the public one hour before the scheduled start time of practice and lots will close one hour following the conclusion of practice. All fans attending practice will be subject to security screening before entering the seating area.

Fan Guidelines: Practice sessions will be open to the public throughout training camp (July 22-Aug. 14). Limited seating is provided alongside the practice fields. Restroom facilities, concession stands and a free kida activity area will also be available. A different position group of Giants players will sign autographs for fans each day following practice.

See Training Camp Schedule

Chris Christie Booed at Times Square Super Bowl Rally

Oh how the mighty have fallen! I would have loved to have been there today to witness this. Too bad I couldn't have gone to the city two days in a  row.

From Politicker.com:

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s “Bridgegate” scandal today followed him all the way across the George Washington Bridge and into New York City.

At a Times Square Super Bowl hand-off ceremony, where Mr. Christie was passing the figurative baton to Arizona’s governor, who will host the game next year, Mr. Christie was booed both when he was introduced and as he addressed the sports fans gathered.

“We hate traffic! We hate traffic!” a heckler chanted in the back of the crowd.

“Boooooo!” someone else yelled.

Several other journalists reported hearing boos as well. The negativity was far from unanimous, however, and many others in the audience cheered the embattled governor, whose administration is currently pushing back against new accusations that he knew about the now-infamous George Washington Bridge lane closures that forced massive traffic problems last September.

In his brief remarks, Mr. Christie thanked those who helped organize tomorrow’s big game.

“We look forward to hosting everybody in this group that’s got a ticket over in New Jersey tomorrow to watch the greatest sports spectacle in the world,” he said. “Congratulations to the NFL and congratulations to the host committee. Thank you all very much.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as well as Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, also spoke on stage next to Mr. Christie. No one in the crowd appeared to boo the other pols.

Read more 

Super Bowl Boulevard Was A Super "Experience"

Yesterday, after working all night, I hopped on the 11:12 train from Middletown to NY Penn Station with my two son and headed towards Times Square to check out this year's NFL Experience - Super Bowl Boulevard. The Super Bowl Boulevard started on 34th St. at the world famous department store Macy's and ran uptown along Broadway and 7th Ave to 47th st.

Macy's department store was the official site to purchase anything and everything related to the Super Bowl and on the 4th floor we were greeted by a sentry of NFL manikins representing each team and various displays with all kinds of merchandise ready to purchase (it was  pretty cool if I do say so myself). We picked up a couple of shirts and a small football that we would later have autographed by Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (more on that later).

We left Macy's and headed up 7th Ave., to say the street was crowded and crazy would be an understatement. While I would not put the crowd size in the area of say New Years Eve, I would say that it was easily 7 several times worse than going into Manhattan during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Due to the large crowd we didn't participate in many activities, wait times for most of the sponsored events were upwards to 2 hours or more. We did however make it over to Bryant Park where Verizon had a pavilion set up.  Inside the Verizon Power House Pavilion there were several interactive areas showcasing new technologies and where you could have your name or picture inserted into various photos with NFL players Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) and Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers).  It was one of the better attractions of the day.

 

Heading back to 7th Ave from Bryant Park we passed the NFL Network and FOX Sports broadcasting areas (ESPN and CNN also had areas of their own set up along the Boulevard) and we saw that big toboggan slide that everyone has been making a big deal over.

While fighting the crowds and doing all that walking around Times Square the kids started to get hungry, so we started looking for a place to eat. We had thought that the ESPN Zone would have been a great place to grab a bite. Unfortunately, after walking up and down 7th Ave for several block we came the realization that the eatery was no longer there.  As we were searching for the ESPN Zone my youngest son noticed on the marquee of Planet Hollywood that Marshawn Lynch was going to be there signing autographs at 6pm. After seeing that we had no other choice, my son insisted that we had to eat there and wait for Lynch, much to my oldests' and mine objections.  Before heading back towards Planet Hollywood though, we stopped in at M&M World.

At M&M World the kids wanted to get some team colored (Broncos & Seahawks) M&M's. We looked around and found a display of 7 ounce packages each of which had individual team colored and logo stamped candies inside. Each bag was $13.99 each (outrageous I know) but was buy one, get one free. So we bought 4 packages 2 of each team, 1of each to eat later, 1 of each to save as souvenirs.

Also while we were in the store Mike Francesa from  the radio station WFAN was there broadcasting his show, my youngest sometimes watches him on TV and wanted to see him in person, even if it was for just a brief second. We left M&M World and headed over to Planet Hollywood.

We got to Planet Hollywood just before 4pm and I was surprised to see that the place was pretty empty considering that one of the premier running backs in the NFL was going to be appearing there in just two hours. There were just a few noticeable Seahawks fans hanging out in the bar area and a handful of families sitting at tables in the dinning room. We sat down, ordered our drinks and meals and then while they were being served I inquired about Marshawn Lynch's appearance later in the evening.

Our waiter was a great sport (which earned him a very nice tip by the way), he and much of the wait staff didn't know much about what was happening later on, but he asked his supervisors a few different times for us and the people sitting next to us, for information.  When he did finally have details, we were pleased to find out that the management of Planet Hollywood had decided to give all those currently in the restaurant preferential treatment to be at the head of the line for an autograph and to meet Marshawn Lynch. That was great news. We finished our dinner by 5:30 and then moved into the waiting line, Marshawn was to arrive by 6pm and start greeting people after a brief press conference. As these things go, 6pm came and went without Lynch's arrival.

While waiting there, standing in line we did find out the reason why Lynch was there. He was there with and his cousin, Josh Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49er Hall of Famer Joe Montana's wife Jennifer Montana, promoting their charity Beast Mode. They were there to sell Beast Mode 24 necklaces which Montana designed. Even though 80% of the profits from the sale of the necklaces were going to the charity at $124 each, the price was out of my league.  

About 15 minutes prior to Marshawn Lynch's arrival (somewhere near 6:30) Joe Montana walked in and caused a big stir, no one was expecting him to be there and people rushed to see him. He was polite but refused to take picture or sign autographs with the general public. He was just there to support his wife and the charity event.

After Lynch's arrival, he spent a good 25 minutes with Montana and other dignitaries who were there supporting Lynch's charity event. He made it to the stage and said a few words about his Beast Mode charity and what inspired him to start it. He then talked to the media for a few more minutes (he didn't seem to have any problems doing that contrary to what was going on during the NFL's Media Day event this past Tuesday in Newark) and then sat down greeted and signed autographs for us. Lynch signed a football and a couple of Super Bowl XLVIII programs for us. He was courteous to the kids and made sure to say hello to each of us. After waiting in line to see him for nearly 90 minutes, I was happy to see that he was a really good guy.

Afterwards we headed back to Penn Station to catch the next train home but on the way, we took just few more pictures to remember the day. It was quite the expeirence!

If anyone was thinking of attending Super Bowl Boulevard, today is the last day of the event. Get there soon, it ends at 10pm.

A Note From NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

To NFL Fans:

During the 2013 NFL Draft, young men will see their dreams realized as they are selected to become professional football players. And countless younger football players will be watching them. No matter what level they play, all football players should be taught the proper fundamentals and know that their safety is the top priority as they participate in the sport they love.

That is why the NFL is proud to partner with USA Football to announce the national launch of Heads Up Football, a comprehensive youth football initiative whose aim is to take the head out of the game. Your support is a vital component.

Heads Up Football was created with direction from independent football and medical experts. All coaches in a Heads Up Football league must be certified via USA Football's nationally accredited Level 1 coaching certification course. These leagues also appoint a Player Safety Coach, who is trained by USA Football. Every coach, parent and player affiliated with a Heads Up Football league receives training on the following subjects:

• Heads Up Tackling, which teaches tackling in a safer and more effective way. The head is always up in order to lessen the risk of head or neck injuries;
• Concussion recognition and response in which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols are learned; and
• Proper equipment fitting to ensure the correct fitting of a player's helmet and shoulder pads.

Piloted in three markets in 2012, Heads Up Football will expand to more than 900 youth leagues across all 50 states in 2013. Many of these leagues will receive the guidance of Heads Up Football Ambassadors, former NFL players who will collaborate with the league's coaches, administrators, player safety coach, parents and players to help ensure that the game is played the right way.

We want to institute a culture of safety at every level of the game, and we encourage youth coaches, players and parents to join us.

We can play a part in making the game safer. As an NFL fan, here is what you can do to make a difference. If you are the parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend or neighbor of a youth football player, tell them about Heads Up Football and encourage their coaches or guardians to visit www.USAFootball.com to sign their league up as a Heads Up Football league. If you are a youth football coach or commissioner, we invite you to join the Heads Up Football movement by clicking here.

We are committed to football that fans love and the safety the players deserve at all levels of the game. Your support is critical.

Thanks for your help, and we hope you enjoy the NFL Draft.

Sincerely,


Roger Goodell
Commissioner, National Football League

Who's Going To Win Super Bowl XLVII, Ravens or 49ers?

This coming Sunday the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers will be meeting down in New Orleans to compete in Super Bowl XLVII and the question on everybody's mind isn't about where they're going to be watching the game or who has the best chicken wings, pizza or beer? No, the big question on everyone's mind is who is going to win? Everyone has an opinion but no one has the answer.

That is of course, if you happen to believe two sources that have a fairly reliable track record over the past several years.

For those that are video game devotees and who spend countless hours on their Xbox 360 or Playstation PS3, EA Sports's "Madden NFL 13" has chosen the Baltimore Ravens to narrowly beat the 49ers on Sunday. Back at the home, EA Sports has been running Super Bowl game simulations for the past  nine years and has accurately predicted seven of the past nine Super Bowl Champions. Amazingly in 2009, the simulation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals was just two points off of the exact score.

Closer to home, Princess the prognosticating and somewhat clairvoyant camel of Lacy Township's Popcorn Park Zoo, has also gained a bit of national attention for her stunning track record at picking the winners of not only regular season NFL games but also the Super Bowl over the past several years. In that time span she has chosen the winner of the big game six out of the past seven years.  And this year, Princess is also picking the Ravens to beat the 49ers on Sunday saying, "... I’ve got faith in Flacco, who by the way, is from New Jersey. That Ray Rice, he can run the ball and the defense will do just enough to win!"

I'm going to go out on a limb and take the opposite stand on the game, I say the San Francisco 49ers are going to win this years Super Bowl. I just think that the dynamics of the 49ers's offense with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, running the triple option will be a little to much for the aging Ravens's defense to overcome. I also think that the San Franciso's defense is superior to Baltimores' and it will keep Joe Flacco off balance most of the game and running back Ray Rice in the backfield more often than not.  

Pallone Reacts to NCAA and Professional Sports Leagues’ Lawsuit to Block Sports Betting in New Jersey

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement regarding a lawsuit filed by the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL) to prevent the State of New Jersey from moving forward with allowing sports betting. Currently, only Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana have some type of exemption from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal law prohibiting sports betting. Congressman Pallone is the author of the New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2012 (NJ BET Act), H.R. 3081, which amends the current law to exclude the State of New Jersey from the prohibition on professional sports gambling.

Congressman Pallone is also a co-sponsor of fellow New Jersey Congressman, Frank LoBiondo’s bill the Sports Gaming Opportunity Act of 2012, H.R. 3797, which would also take steps to bring sports betting to New Jersey:

“I am outraged by the lawsuit filed today by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues to prevent New Jersey from allowing legal sports betting in our state. The suit is disappointing and points to a naïve and unrealistic notion that prohibiting New Jersey from allowing sports betting will somehow reduce or prevent gambling on professional and college sports.

“It is widely known that sports betting in the Unites States is currently occurring illegally and offshore and is frequently run by major criminal enterprises. Each year this illegal sports betting represents billions of dollars. By engaging in this lawsuit, the NCAA, MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL are in effect condoning and encouraging the continued criminal activity associated with sports gambling, an activity for which state and federal law enforcement officials are forced to dedicate countless man hours and resources to pursue.

“My bill making sports betting legal in New Jersey would not only help to stem the criminal activity associated with sports gambling, it would also pump much needed revenue into to our state by taking the gambling out of the shadows and regulating it. It has become clear that the states need to step in and regulate sports betting.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague, Congressman LoBiondo to push for both of our bills and to fight to allow New Jersey to bring critical revenues back into the state and out of the hands of criminals.”

Giants will win Super Bowl XLVI, predicts ‘Madden NFL 12′

By Ben Silverman | Plugged In @ Yahoo Games

The New England Patriots might be the odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl XLVI, but the New York Giants have proven an uncanny knack for making odds-makers look ridiculous.

And according to Madden, they're about to do it again.

EA Sports has simulated Sunday's Big Game in Madden NFL 12 on the Xbox 360, and in another insane playoff nail-biter, the Giants edged out the Patriots, 27-24, to take home the franchise's fourth Lombardi trophy.

But forget about the anticipated match-up between Tom Brady and Eli Manning. Like the last two playoff games, this one came down to a field goal. Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, fresh off demolishing the dreams of San Francisco fans in OT, knocked down a 40-yard field goal as time expired to give the Giants the victory. Wonder if they simulated a virtual Billy Cundiff weeping pixilated tears, too?

The unlikely Giants win almost didn't happen. The Madden simulation saw Brady rally his troops from a 24-10 fourth quarter deficit, throwing for two TDs to tie up the game. But like he's done all year, Manning stormed back during the last Giants possession to set up the game-winning kick. He was also named the game's MVP, finishing 25-39 for 342 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The annual Madden simulation has proven pretty accurate at picking Super Bowl winners, though it fumbled pretty badly last year in taking the Steelers over the Packers. Still, it's got a track record most gamblers would envy, nailing 6 of the last 8 games.

More ....Here

Princess Takes Bills Over Giants In Week 6 Action

It's week 6 of the NFL season and Princess the Camel was thwarted in her attempt last week to start the season off with a perfect 5-0 record of winning picks, instead she ended the week with a respectable 4-1 record. Last week if you remember, Princess the prognosticating Camel of Popcorn Park Zoo, picked the NY Jets to defeat the NE Patriots, I advised against the pick and chose the Pats thus coming out as the winner.

This week however is a new week and brings with it another chance of predicting the outcome of yet another NFL game. This week's game that Princess has the pleasure of prognosticating over is the NY Giants Vs. the Buffalo Bills, at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.

Siting Eli Manning's 3 interceptions thrown in last weeks loss to the Seahawks as main reason for choosing the Bills to beat the Giants this week Princess stated, "...He threw to the defense 3 times last week. How can you win like that? They might straighten themselves out, but not this week -- the Bills are winning!!"

Princess logic may or may not be hard to argue with but the one thing I know is that anything can happen out on the field on any given Sunday. And even though the Giants are banged up and coming off a bad loss, they are still a good football team that should prevail this week.

I think Eli turns it around this week and drives the Giants down the field and on to victory over the Bills.

Who's right, Princess or MiddletownMike? We'll have to wait for Sunday to find out.

NFL Week 4- Princess Takes the Giants

Princess the Camel is on an impressive roll prognosticating NFL winners and losers this young season. After predicting the Oakland Raiders to upset the heavily favored NY Jets last Sunday, Princess has start off the season with 3 winners.

This week Princess has decided that the NY Giants are about ready to start on a roll of their own, she has chosen them to beat the Arizona Cardinals out in Pheonix this Sunday.


"I think the Giants finally got things straightened out John. The defense got it done last week and Eli only threw the balls to his own teammates, not the other team. So he might be on a roll." Princess said after revealing her choice to her handler John.

Being a Giants fan myself, I love Princess pick this week. I hope her 3 week winning streak as well as the Giants 2 game winning streak is extend Sunday.

The Giants certainly put a lot of critics to rest last week with their win over the Philadelphia Eagles it would be a real shame if they lost this game to the Cardinals and let all the naysayers and doubters return.

Princess The Camel Picks Jets Over Jags For Week Two

For all you football heads out there, week two of the NFL season is upon us and that prognosticating camel of Popcorn Park Zoo, Princess, is at it again; predicting the winners from the area's 3 NFL team, Giants, Jets & Eagle.

This is Princesses fourth season of making game predictions and if you have followed her through the years like I have, you know that she has an uncanny ability at picking game winners. That's why I try and devote post to her picks each week during the NFL season.

To open the season last week, Princess correctly chose the NY Jets to beat the Dallas Cowboy on Sunday night.

This week Princess goes to the well again and chooses the NY Jets to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, having this to say of the Jets and their coach Rex Ryan after coming back from a 10 point deficit to beat the Cowboys, "...whatever he's selling, his players are buying, and they are playing real hard for him....".

That seems like a good enough reason for me, now let's see if it pans out on Sunday.

NFL Fans: A Letter From Roger Goodell

If your a fan of the national Football League this may be interesting to you, I received this open letter last night from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The letter was issued shortly after contract negotiations between the NFL owners and players broke off and an impasse declared by the players union which lead to the players union decertifying.

In the open letter, Goodell explains the owners position during negotiations and expresses their desire to continue the collective bargaining and mediation process so that an agreement between the two sides can serve the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans:

Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the player's financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.



Yours,
Roger Goodell

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Football Now And Then

While eating your "breakfast of champions this morning" in anticipation of tomorrow's big game, why not see how today's football players differ from those old-timers from days gone bye?

Superbowl XLV; Princess Picks The Packers Over The Steelers

Princess the Camel has spoken, with her last prediction for the season, Princess has chosen the Green Bay Packers to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Superbowl XLV this coming Sunday.

What's the reasoning behind Princesses prediction? It seems to have more to do with personal feels towards Green Bay's linebacker Clay Matthews and what he said about Michael Vick than it does with how she expects the game to be played by the Steelers.

Princess stated, "..The Packers are my team. The quarterback Rogers is on fire right now and I think he might light the Steelers up. And that Packers linebacker – Clay Matthews … I like that guy. A couple of weeks ago before the game with Philadelphia he said he had 3 dogs and couldn’t wait to play Philadelphia and tackle that quarterback ....... and he did just that. He’s my kind of guy!!..."

I don't know if I agree with Princess on this one. I think it will be a great game but I'm leaning towards the Steelers.

After being on fire for the last 5 or 6 games of the season, Packers's quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a so-so game against the Bears in the NFC Championship game and now with two week layoff between games I'm not so sure that he will be as sharp in this game.

The Steelers on the other hand are consistent and have been there before. Say what you will about Ben Roethlisberger and his character flaws, he's tough. All the guy has done is win in the NFL and with two previous Superbowl titles under his belt, he know what it takes to play in the game and come out victorious.

My prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 27 Green Bay Packers 24

And by the way... if you'd like to support Princess for all her prognosticating over the past number of seasons and into the future, you can sponsor her in the Wildlife Club, she'll appreciate it!

Same Old Jets - Princess's Prediction Comes True

Unfortunately for Jets fan all around the Country, Princess the Camel got this one correct. On Friday, the prognosticating camel of Popcorn Park Zoo, picked the Steelers to defeat the Jets in the NFL's AFC Title game.

It's the day after and all I can say is that nothing new has happened with the Jets, they are still the same old , snake bitting team they have always been. For the second time in as many seasons they lost in AFC Championship Game, the last hurdle to the Superbowl.

I think Princess was onto something, maybe all that trash talking by Rex Ryan and the hype that came from being on HBO's sports anthology show "Hard Knocks" earlier this season was just to much to bare. Maybe now, Ryan has had that chip knocked off his shoulder and has learned that you should make promises that you can't deliver on.

Even though I am a Giants fan and predicted a Steeler victory (24-17) which was nearly spot on, I really wanted the Jets to win and extend the football season for all NY fans. It is always more exciting to have a hometown team involved in a championship game or series. Having the Jets in the Superbowl, even though I would have been jealous, would have been exciting.

Oh well, as they say, better luck next year Jets. This just wasn't your time to soar.