The Saints won a rather thrilling Super Bowl last night, and the majority of the East Coast got to drink themselves to sleep after learning of most business calling an audible day-off for workers because of snow. Now that the haze has worn off, there are three rather interesting stories that happened over the Super Bowl weekend that I'm looking at today. In order they are Michael Irvin's rape allegation and firing from ESPN Radio, Warren Sapp getting arrested and being dropped from NFL Network's coverage and Steve Phillips sitting down with Matt Lauer this morning. First up....Michael Irvin....
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On the same day that his former teammate Emmitt Smith was getting into the Hall of Fame, Michael Irvin was getting fired from his ESPN Radio job after another alleged rape charge was levied against him Dallas. Not only that but ESPN decided to fire the former Cowboy WR from his gig at 103.3 FM even though Irvin's contract was set to expire at the end of the week. There were reportedly no plans to renew it, but ESPN opted to fire him anyway. Irvin (unlike Sapp) made his appearances on NFL Network over the weekend, spoke briefly about the allegation to reporters, and then filed a $100 Million counter suit against his alleged victim. Via ESPN....

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin made his first public appearance since he was accused in a civil suit of rape. He filed a $100 million countersuit against his accuser.

Irvin worked the Hall of Fame ceremonies for the NFL Network on Saturday. He was subdued at times but also emotional, especially when former teammate, running back Emmitt Smith, was selected for induction.

"It's not about me, but that's it," Irvin told a small group of reporters before they had a chance to ask questions. Irvin said he would only talk about the Hall of Fame.

Irvin's suit, filed in Dallas County, Texas, asks for $100 million in damages for allegations filed in a lawsuit that claim Irvin raped a woman identified as "Jane Doe" at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., in 2007.

The countersuit claims that the civil suit filed by the woman caused him to be fired from his radio job.

It's interesting that ESPN decided to follow up with the story after taking no time in firing Irvin. Like the story said, no charges were filed against him and his contract was set to run out, so it really makes no sense as to why ESPN Radio decided to fire him right away.
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The day after Michael Irvin got his walking papers, another analyst in Miami spent the night in jail. A crazy story came out of South Beach that NFL Network Analyst Warren Sapp had been dropped from the network's coverage of the Super Bowl, and after NFL-N confirmed the claims, Sapp spent the night in jail on a domestic abuse charge. Via the Sun Sentinel....

Police arrested Sapp on Saturday on one charge of misdemeanor domestic battery. An arrest affidavit says the incident happened around 5 a.m. Saturday in the former defensive tackle's hotel room at the Shore Club on Miami Beach.

Sapp's attorney said the former player is taking the matter seriously and will cooperate with authorities.

"He sincerely apologizes to the NFL family and fans for taking away any distraction from today's big game," Christopher Lyons said. "We ask that everyone reserve judgment on the matter until all the facts come out in a court of law."

The woman said she had been dating Sapp about two years. She told officers the two were partying with a large group of friends when she got tired and went to lay down.

Sapp entered hours later, pulled her out of bed and tried to get her out of the room, according to the complaint. The complaint says he yelled at the woman about men she had been hanging out with and men listed in her cell phone. The woman told police Sapp choked her, threw her down on a couch, then picked her up by her shirt and neck and threw her down again — injuring her leg. The victim had a swollen knee and bruises on her neck, the affidavit says. She was taken to the hospital.

Just a messy situation all around. According to Sports by Brooks, Sapp had been seen around Miami with a certain lady friend, but as of now the accuser wants to remain anonymous.
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As far as Steve Phillips, the former ESPN Baseball analyst made an appearance on the Today Show this morning to talk about his sexual addiction. Phillips, who is giving his first public interview since leaving the same rehab clinic Tiger Woods reportedly has been staying at, told Matt Lauer that he, "I couldn't stop myself from doing the things I was doing, even knowing the consequences." Here's the clip....


Man, what a weekend!

Kellen Winslow II has been in the league for five years (well technically he's only played in three of those), and they have certainly not been boring. Controversy seems to follow the tight end everywhere, and it's made its way to Tampa. Winslow decided to skip his new team's OTAs, and former Buc Warren Sapp is not happy with his work ethic. Via the St. Pete Times....

Tight end Kellen Winslow, the team's biggest off-season acquisition, did not attend the Bucs' first day or organized team activities.

Former Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who visited the club Tuesday, spared no criticism for Winslow.

"So when your team fires up OTA's and you're not here, I guess you're being misunderstood again, right?'' Sapp said. "Your past don't equal your future, but it will damn sure give me some reflection of what you might do. I'll leave it at that.''

No word yet as to why Winslow did not attend the voluntary workouts Tuesday, but team officials were aware that he had a conflict and would join them soon.

I've criticized Sapp in the past for being over-the-top with things, but I have to agree that he's right on with this one. However, if Winslow told the team about a "conflict", Sapp might just want to relax.

Winslow not at first OTA (Bucs Beat)

You always see random Sports Stars sitting around the stage during Comedy Central Roasts, but I don't think one has ever gotten up and tried to make jokes. That will change this weekend as Warren Sapp will be one of the roasters of Larry The Cable Guy. Comedy Central has even been kind enough to send us a clip! Look for Warren around the 1:20 mark and ummm just a warning....it's very, very NSFW....

Wow....ummm. That was a little too much information there, Warren. Oh and there's no way he came up with that one on his own. Still though, it'll be interesting to see and hear the delivery of his ghost written jokes. Good times.

The NFL Network made a move today to beef up it's coverage of the NFL Combine this year, and that move was to hire blacklisted, ex-Bucs Coach John Gruden. Via TampaBay.com....

Recently-fired Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden has a temporary job, and it could turn into a full-time job. Gruden will serve as analyst on the NFL Network's coverage of the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this week.

Gruden will join the network's Total Access show each night at 7 p.m. from Thursday through Monday, and also offer analysis specifically about quarterbacks and wide receivers throughout the weekend.

"We just think he's going to have an interesting perspective because he is so passionate about the combine, the draft and building a football team,'' NFL Network executive producer Eric Weinberger said. "He doesn't seem like a guy who is going to hold back and he will be able to fully evaluate the process.''

This falls into the Matt Millen hiring category, but certainly not to the same degree. With as many enemies as Gruden has apparently made, his credibility is a little shaky at the moment, but not nearly at Millen's level. I can't wait until the NFL-N decides to put him on the same set with Warren Sapp. That should be fun.

Jon Gruden joins NFL Network for scouting combine (TampaBay.com)

I know this isn't news, and that both of these guys are just looking for attention, but there's something so lame about this video that it intrigues me. TMZ (Via With Leather) caught Michael Phelps and Warren Sapp, horsing around at a pool in South Beach, and decided that a video of said event was necessary to share with the world....

Oh man! You see that?!?! He gave him a half a lap pool lead....AND HE STILL BEAT THAT AZZ! That right there is talent my friends. My irrational hate for Michael Phelps aside though, is there anything lamer than trying to impress people with your talent, and no one there really even gives a crap? I mean even chicks are giving him "pity applause" at this point.

Attention Whores Whore For Attention (With Leather)
Warren Sapp Races Michael Phelps (TMZ)

After the crew gave Warren Sapp a little bit of praise for his trip to the finals of DWTS, Sapp took the time to apologize for his comments directed at Keyshawn Johnson. The outspoken one, who railed on Keyshawn's new interior design show and the ESPN analyst's masculinity last week, decided to say a few words that were apparently inspired by a talk with his mom. Here's the video complete with a bonus Collinsworth-JB tiff story....

See how easy that was? Sure the comments came at the very end of the show, and after he had already piled on Donovan McNabb, but you have to start somewhere. I still think Warren is a good addition to the show, and as soon as he realizes that he doesn't have to say something outrageous each week, he'll become even better.

Oh and don't forget to vote for the big guy!

Sapp apologizes to Johnson, criticizes McNabb (NFL.com)

I completely understand the role that Showtime has tried to place on Warren Sapp, or that he did so on his own, but this just takes it to a whole new different level. On Wednesday's Inside The NFL, Sapp was taking questions for a segment called "Ask Warren Anything". A question came in about whether Warren would be watching Keyshawn Johnson's new design show on A&E and this was the outspoken one's response. Via Adam Schefter's blog on NFL.com....

In a special segment on this week’s Inside The NFL, Warren Sapp answered viewer submitted questions during “Ask Warren Anything”.

Below are transcription highlights of the show.

(On rumor that Sapp is a diva on “Dancing With The Stars”)
SAPP: I’ll tell you what. I have to be honest about the diva thing. I am a little eccentric at times. I like cold water and in California they like it room temperature. And as a 300-pound man I needed a little cold water. So they gave me a big cooler and they put “Warren’s Water,” so I guess that’s where they get that from. If a big fella needing cold water is being a diva, then diva I am.

(On whether he would ever watch Keyshawn Johnson’s reality show about interior design)
SAPP: Me, watch Keyshawn on an interior decorating show? Keyshawn, I knew you were a bitch. And thanks for making it all clear.

I know what the term "bitch" is supposed to mean nowadays, and I know that we are overly sensitive as a society, but that's just flat out uncalled for. Even if you take away the sexist nature of the comment, there's no point for Keyshawn's name to be coming out of Sapp's mouth in this format. If he wants to go on some douchebag's talk radio show and spout off at the mouth....fine. But to do so on a once classy and well done show like Inside the NFL, and to not be reprimanded after multiple attacks like this, makes me think that Showtime just isn't taking their direction with the show seriously.

I really hope that Keyshawn doesn't take this bait, and sink to Warren's level, but nothing would surprise me these days. I'll try to have the video up later in the day for posterity when ITN re-airs today, but that's the last time I watch that garbage. There's just no need for more of this crap in an already crap-filled Sports World.

Warren answers anything (NFL: Adam Schefter)

Just a quick note that I wanted to pass along here, but Joe Theismann will be with the Inside the NFL crew on Showtime tonight, instead of Warren Sapp. Sapp will be on the Dancing With The Stars set tonight in some sort of team, battle royale event that I know nothing about. So in his stead, Showtime decided to bring in Theismann to fill the vacancy.

I think Theismann is much better in these formats, rather than live games, so if you're tuning in and looking for him to flub through the show, you might be disappointed. Joseph will be on at 9pm with JB, Phil and Cris, so check it out if you're so inclined. The topics will be The Colts and Patriots, as well as how the Packers are faring without Brett Favre....you know....new stuff!

Oh and Kenny Mayne will also be on Jimmy Kimmel Live as well.

Inside The NFL (Showtime Sports)

Hey, why not another "analyst war" to add to the growing list? This time it involves Warren Sapp and Keyshawn Johnson, and was of course started by Sapp during his weekly random bashing on Inside the NFL. So the topic of discussion was the Cowboys, and how Brad Johnson was going to work for them, when out of nowhere he goes into a mini rant on ex-Cowboy and current ESPN analyst, Keyshawn Johnson....

"An accurate quarterback, a championship, someone that knows the ropes and how to distribute the ball. He’s played with worse malcontents than T.O. He played with Keyshawn. Keyshawn was kicked off the team, away from us. Terrell Owens is a choirboy compared to Keyshawn. He’ll get the ball and distribute it and they’ll be fine."- Warren Sapp

Now I sort of understand the point he was going for there, but was there really a need to bring Keyshawn's name into it like that. Obviously, based on reporter's and teammate's accounts of his demeanor, the statement is likely true, but Sapp is just taking every chance he can to be controversial. Sooner or later that's going to come back to haunt him.

Warren Sapp calls Keyshawn Johnson 'malcontent' (Watchdog)

I keep forgetting that Inside The NFL is on Showtime, but luckily for me, Warren Sapp keeps saying controversial things to remind. This week's comment is on the Dolphins' "Wildcat Offense" and Warren wants you all to know that he think it's "disrespectful". Via ESPN's AFC East Blog....

Warren Sapp, found on page 142 in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most inflammatory sports commentator, considers the Miami Dolphins' exotic Wildcat offense an affront to the intelligence of opposing defenses.

"This is disrespectful to all defenses," Sapp said on Showtime's "Inside the NFL" roundtable Wednesday night. "It's disrespectful. You're taking the best player in the game, the quarterback, and you're putting him out wide, outside the numbers, and you put the running back in the back.

"How the hell you going to throw the ball? I'm not even thinking about throw right now. I'm going to get everybody in the gap. It's just power 'O.' You have the running back with the ball already in his hand."

I'm not quite sure why Warren Sapp is so offended, or that he doesn't remember Ronnie Brown throwing a TD pass, but....okay? It's not like the Dolphins are world beaters this year, so I don't really see what the big deal is. I like Warren's honest approach, but you start to force stories....that's when your credibility starts to slip. You don't have to say something off-the-wall every week, but I guess as long as ESPN picks it up each week, then you mind as well keep it up.

Sapp calls Dolphins offense 'disrespectful' (ESPN's Blog Network)

One of the things I always looking forward to when new ex-players and coaches become a member of the media, is whether they give easy/cupcake answers to questions, or if they actually give honest and sometimes difficult responses. Most people won't say anything about former teams and teammates, but with Warren Sapp we knew it was just a matter of time, and Lane Kiffin's firing gave him the perfect opportunity.

Sapp just laid into the Raiders' entire organization this past Wednesday on Inside the NFL, and the comments were so strong that ESPN even picked up the story....

"[Davis] is the common equation," Sapp said on "Inside the NFL." "You take him out, put him at home watching film or whatever he is doing -- you have a functioning football organization. But once he comes over the top, he goes and starts moving it around.

"Al Davis knows football -- it's just '60s and '70s football. That's what it is. He's thinking that Cliff Branch is outside and [Jim] Plunkett is dropping back and you can throw it 80 yards down the field -- deep ball, deep ball, deep ball."

Sapp even said that Davis would call in plays when Sapp was playing for the Raiders.

"I remember the first two weeks I was there, we played a preseason game. Somebody came up one time and said, 'We're going deep right here, dog.' I said, how do you know? He said, 'The phone just rang.'

"All the preparation that goes into a week of work is there, the practicing that you have to put in order to do these things, sometimes [Al Davis] messed with that part of it and that's what kills you," Sapp said on "Inside the NFL."

I thought I had the video, but for some reason it didn't save (I'll keep trying to look for it though). Either way, you get the idea. It was a pretty eye-opening segment and a refreshing change from the usual run-of-the-mill responses you get from ex-players. Warren Sapp still has some work to do on the show, but as long as he keeps up this level of honesty, I think more and more people will start to tune in.

Update: And here's your video....

Sapp says Kiffin treated unfairly, blames Davis for Raiders' mess (ESPN)

I haven't been paying too much attention to Dancing With The Stars, but when The Sports Hernia pulls photos like the one above, I'm going to take a gander. Here's Sapp's all-leather, Matrix'esque performance from last night....

Again, I'm rather impressed by Sapp's moves, but that leap did not look nearly as good in video form as it looks in that picture. The big man is still alive though and I'll be watching for some more performances like this down the line.

Bedazzled Undertaker invades Dancing With the Stars (The Sports Hernia)

Last year I was intrigued by Mark Cuban's foray into dancing on the reality show and this year it's Warren Sapp who I wanted to check out. Here's his first go at the "cha cha" from last night's debut....

Anytime a dude with a belly can pull something like that off, it's sure to impress some people. The NFL continues to own this show, and while I'm not going to be watching it again the rest of the season, I fully enjoyed that performance. Good job Warren, now go and make Inside The NFL exciting too.

I mentioned yesterday that there were going to be some guests stopping by for the first episode of Inside The NFL on Showtime. Roger Goodell was boring (as expected) and Deacon Jones was entertaining (as expected), but it was DWTS's Kym Johnson that stole the show. Well, she wasn't that exciting, but her appearance gave us our first look at Warren Sapp's new moves....

Forget Warren, get Collinsworth on that show. He just swooped in and went to town with Kym Johnson. As far as the show went, it really didn't vary much from its predecessor. There were a few old elements that were missing (a handful of people emailed about the "Beat The Pros" segment from HBO), but for the most part it was on par with HBO's version. I enjoyed all four during the program, but there were a few annoying jester-like moments from Sapp. It wasn't anything that would cause you to change the channel, but hopefully he tones it down.

Oh and please Showtime, please don't try to promote Dancing With The Stars. Occasionally is fine, but every week would get old quick.

Inside The NFL Debuts On Showtime Tonight With A Few Special Guests (Awful Announcing)

Showtime seems to be all-in on promoting its version of the Inside The NFL with Warren Sapp and will feature multiple segments with the ex-defensive end when it debuts tonight on Showtime. The program will also have three special guests according to Market Watch....

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones and Dancing With The Stars professional Kym Johnson are among the special guests for the premiere episode of INSIDE THE NFL on SHOWTIME this Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Jones, one of the most feared defenders of the 1970's, will face off with INSIDE THE NFL analyst and latter day counterpart Warren Sapp in a segment entitled "Debate '08." In the spirit of this election year, Jones and Sapp will debate their respective era's gridiron greatness.

Johnson, a Dancing With The Stars veteran who is currently in rehearsal as Sapp's dance partner for this season, will be on the set of INSIDE THE NFL.

I'm still amazed that so many people watch DWTS, but Showtime couldn't have hoped for better timing in Sapp's appearance on the program. The show always had its diehard fans, so it will be interesting to see if Showtime tries to appease to them, or tries to take it in a new direction.

Also, if you look at the promo photo above it appears as Showtime is already billing Warren Sapp as the court jester of the quartet. I don't think I've ever seen JB with a mean look on his face and he's actually scaring me a little bit. I'll be watching tonight and will have reactions and video tomorrow.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Kym Johnson and Deacon Jones on Tap for Debut Episode of Inside the NFL on Showtime (Market Watch)

Warren Sapp is one of the four parties involved in the new version of Inside The NFL that just moved from HBO to Showtime for this upcoming season. Warren is with a lot of people in thinking that the HBO version of the show had become boring and that the relaunching of the show on Showtime will help. He had this to say on the new version of the show to Boston.com....

Former NFL star Warren Sapp will be an integral part of the series. Sapp, who will team with Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms, and James Brown, promises the show will be an improvement.

"I would hope to God it would be because the one on HBO just got bland," said Sapp, not one to edit himself. "It got bland, it got boring, and it just sat there that it was a foregone conclusion that somebody was supposed to tune in because it was what it was. You have to entertain the people. I think us four guys are diverse in every way possible and complement each other. We've got two champions. We've got a quarterback, a receiver, a defensive lineman, and a non-football guy. We've got four guys who are respected throughout the league."

Seems like standard operating procedure right? The show is moving networks and people need a reason to watch, so he hypes it up a little. I'm also inclined to agree with Sapp in that the show really didn't bring anything new to the table in the last few years, but apparently those comments rubbed one Peter King the wrong way. From MMQB via Fanhouse....

It'll be interesting to see the first production meeting at Showtime, when someone reads that quote to that boring co-host of the HBO show, Cris Collinsworth, who is only the best studio analyst in recent sports TV history. He never "entertained the people.'' No, not Cris. Remember last year, Warren, when every other sports TV analyst was covering his rear end on Bill Belichick and Spygate -- and I mean every one -- and Collinsworth ripped him a new one for dishonoring the game? There's a case of the totally bland Collinsworth just showing up for the paycheck every week. I can hear Sapp in that production meeting next week: "Cris, I didn't mean you. You're the greatest! It was all those other guys who put me to sleep!''

Ooooooooooh snap! We've got a budding analyst war before the show even starts!!! The first show on the new network is September 10th and I think this little tiff just gained it one new viewer.

'Inside' shift gets face lift (Boston.com)
Quote of the Week IV (Monday Morning QB)
Peter King Not Happy With Warren Sapp Over 'Inside the NFL' Comments (Fanhouse)