You name Dolphins' starting QB (with The Daily Poll), PETA kicks a dead horse, Jets seek drag queens and more

     Another little mess o' miscellania...

     NAME DOLPHINS' STARTING QB: The Dolphins have no idea right now who'll be the starting quarterback in the Sept. 7 regular-season opener. What's your best guess? Not who you'd like to start, but who you predict will. To me, for various reasons, it's a close call right now among veteran Josh McCown, second-year guy John Beck and rookie Chad Henne. Thinking McCown is the safest bet but wouldn't be surprised by either young guy. Who would your money be on and why?

     (By the way, I don't get the notion McCown somehow has finally landed in the right situation. His situation will turn wrong the nanosecond Team Tuna thinks Beck or Henne is ready).

Opinion Polls & Market Research

     [Wednesday night update: Congrats. You all have made this our 17th blogpoll to surpass 1,000 votes the first day. Results surprise me. Showing much more faith in Beck than I imagined...]

     PETA KICKS DEAD HORSE: I'm getting tired of these People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals people, who now are exploiting the death of the horse Eight Belles for their own self-promotion. Click here to read the column on that by me and let me know your take on what happened and PETA's response.

     JETS AND DRAG QUEENS: This is delicious stuff, Dolfans. The choreographer of the New York Jets cheerleaders says the squad is open to involvement by men dressed like attractive women. OY! Click here for the Jets blog that has the story. But I would never, ever suggest a Dolfan leave an appropriate snide comment for Jets fans.

      OLSEN'S FAST WORK: Watched Scott Olsen's Marlins gem on TV last night, marveling. The best thing about this kid right now isn't his 4-1 start and 2.22 ERA or even his maturity compared to past years. It is that he pitches as if he's on the clock. What a delight! So tired of enduring guys who labor and treat every pitch like childbirth. Olsen's catches, set, throws, rapid-fire. Sweet!

     FIU FLUNKS APR: Five Florida International University teams including football and men's basketball have been socked by the NCAA with scholarship reductions for insufficiencies in the annual Academic Progress Report. t academic progress. Might have been an ominous sign when some of the athletes had to give it some thought when asked to spell "F-I-U."

      DANCING DOLPHIN UPDATE: The more I see of Dancing With the Stars, the less I think Jason Taylor will win it all. That's a big statement, by the way. Not me predicting JT won't win. Me admitting I watch DWST.

     BRYANT WORTHY, BUT SO WAS KG: Can't argue with Kobe Bryant winning NBA's MVP award, although my vote would have gone to Kevin Garnett. What a strong field this year, with Chris Paul and LeBron James also viable.

     JOKE THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE TOO RISQUE FOR A NEWSPAPER BLOG: Little Sally came home  from school with a smile and told her mommy, "Frankie Brown showed me his weenie today!" Before the mother could speak little Sally went on to say, "It reminded me of a peanut." Relaxing somewhat, Sally's mom asked, "Really? Because it was so small?" Sally said, "No. Because it was salty!" Mommy fainted.

     THE BENEFITS OF LOOKING POOR: En route to Dunkin' Donuts for my ritualistic morning coffee I saw a man peddling 'Homeless Voice' newsletters and soliciting donations at a busy intersection. While listening to an iPod. Hmm. Dear Panhandlers: Rule of thumb. If you are destitute or a delegate for the homeless with your hand out, do not A) be dressed better than me, B) have on a Chopard watch, or C) be listening to an iPod.

      WOMAN KEEPS STREAK ALIVE: A young woman who recently semi-streaked a soccer game in Tampa will soon appear nude in Playboy. Click here to further investigate this remarkable story for scientific purposes only.

     GIVING UP THE GHOST: Finally, former Sen. George McGovern today urged Hillary Clinton to drop out of the presidential race. This surprised Democratic officials, who were under the impression McGovern had died years ago.

Comments

[John]

I think John Becks work ethic will pay off for him this season.

[jon]

Normally love the blog, but that joke was just wrong. No need for it. I hope you apologize.

[H.J. Seiden]

Please don't speak for the animals...especially the thoroughbred horse..you are not qualified not to mention dignified...and I am not a member of PETA. Today's opinion "PETA Insists On Kicking A Dead Horse"... so terribly lacks compassion for the thoroughbred horse that it sickens me almost more than the loss of the majestic animal Eight Belles. I feel for BIG BROWN who still must endure..and all the other beautiful horses with the same fate. What sort of sportsman writes an opinion such as the one you wrote today in the face of such a horrific event for a beautiful, athletic animal, in which you anthropomorphize Big Brown on a talkshow?
HJSRHS@aol.com

[Jimbo]

P-people
E-eat
T-tasty
A-animals

PETA people need to get a life. Find something REAL to relavent in society.

[Jimbo]

I meant "to be " typo

[Chopper Riding Fin Fan]

Although I don't always agree with PETA and their tactics, I am a huge supporter of animal rights. PETA does take things to the extreme, but it is something that they believe in, so to say that they need to get a life Jimbo is bordering on ignorant. I don't come to these blogs to make friends or enemies, so please don't take offense, but a human without compassion for animals is a scary thought (think Michael Vick).

[the shadow knows]

Mr Cote,

as a former owner of thoroughbreds, i find PETA's jumping into the fray to be vile. Eight Belles ran a terrific race, proved that she was not in over her head against the boys and would have won the race if not for the very impressive Big Brown and his terrific race. Eight Bellesdid no break down under the duress of racing, made it to the finish line in seeming fine order, and then tragically had BOTH her ankles break, an absolute rarity in racing. The fact that ANY horse can stand up to the tremendous force placed upon their spindly front legs each time that foot plants into the track is incredulous; the bones of their front legs are not much thicker than the shins of humans and they must withstand the force of 1100 pounds of weight placed on those legs while running at close to 35 MPH. it is part of the game- if staying sound is what the people want, let's race clydesdales against each other or go to quarter horses, where a breakdown on-track is almost a complete non-occurence; wayne lukas and bob baffert can then return to their original gigs at los alamitos and rudioso.

[Captain Louis Renault]

I am shocked, shocked to find that bathroom humor and bad taste is going on in here!

[peanutdick]

Sally, oh Sally........can you come out and play?

[raoul duke]

I didn't see race. I'm not into Kentucky Derby, Indy 500, The Masters or Roller Derby. But it's a heartbreak to hear what happened to that philly(sp?). I'll tear up over animals getting hurt, neglected or abused before many people I know. So dependent on humans are they and just seem more pure, innocent somehow.

[Stewart]

PEta does a lot of good, so I'm not offended by it. It's like saying the red cross tood advantage after 911 for donations.

[Gina]

I could be wrong, but it's not Peta who exploits animals like Eight Belles, it's the greedy money grubbing egotisical 'horse people' who breed these animals with weak bones & legs too small & fragile for their bodies.

Now who's doing the exploiting to show her in front of millions at the Kentucky Derby only to have Eight Belles wind up with two broken front legs with the jocky still whipping her. Then ultimately everyone in the crowd & the millions at home got to see her lying dead in the dirt. Now I ask again who' exploiting? Check out all the former great racehorses who were shuttles to slaughterhouses in Asia once they outlived their usefullness to the rich oilmen & shieks.

[Derby Dan]

Miss Ellie, what are those damn protesters saying about us? Bring me the PeTA file!

[Jimbo]

Chopper hiding fin fan. Sorry bubba, my post got under your leather chapps. Wear a helmet when you ride the short bus also. PETA is an elitist frat. They can take their own earned money to save the planet, one kitty at a time. It's a free country the last time I checked. I am free to grill tasty steaks while they eat tofu and grow underarm hair.

[Captain Caveman]

Captain Louis Renault. shame to see the French public honored you by naming their line of French Yugo's in your name.

I gotta beard that smells of fish oil and black beans.

Why do cavemen drag their women by the hair?????? So they don't fill up with dirt when they drag them.

[mike1]

Jimbo... you also meant "relevant" not "relavent. Well, since you were needlessly correcting yourself already, thought I'd help.

[Moses toeses]

Land Ho!!!

[Jimbo]

Mike1, the one and only, thank you for catching my mizpling......... i just type and "enter" never going back, proof reading and grammar check bro.

[mike1]

Nobody proofreads does in the blog / email writing era. Not even newspaper authors from time to time. No big deal unless the writing and spelling are a complete mess.

[mike1]

I think Jason and Polish girl have reached the end of the line. Had a great first performance, horrible 2nd one. Will probably finish 3rd overall. Last week, looked like they might win it. The guy who's left arm is injured, plus Yamaguchi, have the edge. It was a great memory watching Jason and Edyta decked out in Phins colors last week.

[Noel]

I love animals. They taste great.

[OC Dolphin]

Okay Monsieur Greg,

Here's the analysis on why Josh McCown will start.

Josh McCown - 29 years old by starting time, 46 games

John Beck - 27 years old by starting time, 4 games

Chad Henne - 23 years old by starting time, 0 games

Little known fact of interest: John Beck was born on August 21, 1981. Bill Parcells was born on August 22, 1941. Almost 40 years to the day!

What are the chances that Billy-boy will tend to compare Beck's accomplishments, abilities, attitudes, desires, etc., with that of himself? It's going to be tough for him.

[raoul duke]

Well Jimbo you do raise a good point. Despite my love of animals I have yet to become a vegitarian. Not always an easy hippocracy for me to face and one I usually force right back down into my subconscious.

[Derek]

Where's the outpouring of compassion for the 10,000 people killed in Myanmar? Many people are outraged at the passing of one animal while at the same time shrug off the passing of TEN THOUSAND HUMANS. While the passing of Eight Belles is unfortunate the situation in Myanmar is a true tragedy. Burma was given 48 hours notice of the coming storm and did absolutely nothing...now that's something to get outraged about.

[raoul duke]

Parcell's is known for his mind games with players ask Phil Simms or LT and subsequently getting most out of them. However JT will bring it if he ends up playing with Fins for even one more year. If Fins show significant improvement and JT remains in good shape who knows what future holds regarding JT staying in NFL or going Hollywood.

[raoul duke]

Good point Derek no way I can argue with it. Compassion ideally knows no bounds except when it comes to Micheal Vick and Cam Cameron. Right Tom.

[raoul duke]

God I know I've said this before but I would love Beck or Henne to be reincarnation of Stabler. Guy was gutsy and deadly accurate as old time Dolphin fans know all too well. I just loved Kenny Stabler despite his breaking my heart especially in Oakland in 74. Jimbo, OC, Shadow you guys more in know about this stuff than myself any resemblance in style between Stabler and what we have?

[naples jack,patsfan]

The dolphins only hope is for chad henne to pan out. Forget beck, he is not the answer. mcoun is just a safety valve. If henne is just so-so, it sets the dolphins back.
Flipper 72- USA Today, has Pats ranked #1, Bills #21, Jets #26, Dolphins #31.
S.I.-Peter King, Pats #1, Bills #13, Dolphins # 26, Jets # 17.

[A-1]

P lease
E at
T he
A nimals

[Jimbo]

Chopper man, sorry if u took offense to my post. Without guidance of PETA or any other organization, I have adopted greyhounds that were ready for the chopping block after their "use" was used up. Have done this 3 times. I hike in the Rockies yr rd and they love the freedom of running with me.
Mike Vick is no hero of mine either, now he is in my house, so to speak.
I do have a problem with some of these groups that think everyone else needs to change their ways for what they believe in today...

[Jimbo]

Roaul, the King of the Blog!!! I believe Beck is more NFL ready right now then the other 2. As jacked up as it looked last yr, that fiasco Beck went thru was his baptism to the fire. To his credit, he has been working hard with coaches this offseason. Also to the mans credit, he has been willing to everything they expect, even tweeking his mechanics. This man is intelligent, has heart and is smart. You throw that in with decent measurables, every week he will grow and get better.

McCown. wild card here. Played pretty good on 2 bad teams. Who was the best QB on the Raiders roster last yr? Dante, no, J. Russell? no. McCown! Al Davis didn't want him to start anymore and ordered the head coach to bench him. why?? because Al paid Dante big and JaMarcus bigger.

Henne. going to be fine by nfl standards. ROOKIE. not this yr.

Every one of these guys can get it done with the right system and TALENT around them.

[Jimbo]

Derek. good point friend. formerly known as Burma did nothing because.. pol pot, ho chi mihn type regime. They are adament about not letting outsiders "interfere" meanwhile their citizens suffer. truly tragic.

I been thinking about adopting 2 - 18 yr old girls from there but the woman is kinda giving me problems over that.

[OC Dolphin]

Concur. All good points Jimbo!

raoul, "The Snake" was a more gifted all-around athlete than any of these three. The guy played basketball and was even offered a minor league baseball contract. Forget by which teams now, but his best quality was for driving a team to victory from behind. That's not something you coach. That's instintive and who knows whether or not any of these present QB's have that. From a comparison standpoint, Henne comes closest. Both having an 11-0 Junior outing, both being roughly around the same size and weight. Kenny Stabler was more of a scrambler earlier in his career, until injuries to his knees, caused him to become more of a pocket passer. Something more akin to what Henne already is.

[the shadow knows]

Raoul,

the steelers needed the immaculate reception because kenny stabler ran for a 25 yard touchdown (plus/minus 25) late in the game to put the raiders ahead. stabler had a great arm and threw nothing but accurate spirals unless hit by the pas rush ( the reason why we still bemoan the roughing the passer call against the patriots- the ball fluttered, meaning stabler got hit while still holding the ball and thus new england got jobbed by jim tunney, as crooked a referee as the nfl ever employed; ask don shula, whose colts lost to the packers on a don chandler "field goal" that was way wide!!) stabler was one of the most accurate passers ever and one of the great contributions at QB produced by the university of alabama- starr, namath, stabler, and to a much lesser degree richard todd, who unlike the previously listed, did not win a super bowl)

[the shadow knows]

Gina Baby,

which other famous horses would up as dinner beside ferdinand, who went from the winner's circle at churchill downs to a japanese slaughterhouse- i guess in a twisted way, a steaks horse to the end!!

[Frank "Mr Optimism"]

Cote, you asked and I answer. I think Henne Starts and Finishes the season as our QB, and With a good OL and decent Ground Game, should do OK... Rothlisberger proved that the formula can work for a Rookie,, Defense will need to be competitive and getting better as the season progresses.. I have broken down every game below... In my optimistic opinion only!!!

Game 1 JETS (Home) Sparano has them ready. Close game but we win by 3

Game 2 az cards (Away) Long road trip, but big win over Jets carrys us to another win.

Game 3 N.E. (Away) Still too early "Good Effort" Loss

Wk 4 Bye, rest and recoup.

Game 4 S.D. (Home)LT and Chambers make it rough on us, close loss

Game 5 houston (Away) Big week to bounce back, 2 TD victory

Game 6 Baltimore (Home) Could go ether way Rookie QB's battle it out. "pick em"

Game 7 Buffalo (Home) Close game we win by 3
Game 8 Denver (Away)Broncos hit hard Loss
Game 9 Seattle (Home)Damn West coast teams another Loss
Game 10 Oakland (Home) Revenge for last year.. To Bad Dante ain't there WIN
Game 11 N.E. (Home) Our House we Pull one out Close/BIG WIN
Game 12 St Louis (Away) Confidence carrys over Win the "Long Bowl"
Game 13 Buffalo (Canada) I hope this is indoors,, Good Defense 3 in a row
Game 14 San Fran (Home) Riding a High, JT gets 4 sacks
Game 15 K.C. (Away) At this point if we are still winning I don't see K.C. Beating us.
Game 16 JETS (Away) Complete the Sweep and get into the playoffs,

So thats 11 wins 4 losses and a Pick Em

Go ahead and Slam me. Just look at the W/L record of who we are playing first..

GO PHINS

[Tom]

Mr Optimism 11-4 and a pickem? Wow! Hmm? Have you been to the rim of Haleakala, Maui with OC to do some of dean's stuff? Nah, I'm sure that's not it. I got it. You're related to Flipper72, right?

Be happy with anything better than 5-11 and you won't be disappointed. Cam left behind a catastrophe of monumental proportions that will take at least 3 years to repair. A miracle could happen, but I wouldn't count on it. I do believe you can count on real progress from last year. We'll play much better on both sides of the ball, but there are still so many holes that need to be filled there is no way we'll go 11-5 or anywhere close to that.

[raoul duke]

Wasn't Richard Todd QB against Miami in Championship game in 82? Wesley Walker, Al Toon(not sure he was there at that time but great receiver)Freeman McNeil if I'm not mistaken. In any event Miami had better defense, Jets better offense built on speed and McNeil's awesome ability to cut and change directions. He killed Oakland in game the week before. I remember how bitter Jets were that Orange Bowl field was PURE MUD. Jets blamed Shula for not properly covering field during heavy rains. Don't know if it was true but with Super Bowl appearance on the line you do what you must to gain an advantage WITHIN THE RULES OF THE GAME OF COURSE. Regarding QB I have faith in Beck for some unknown reason. Not a damn bit of solid evidence just a feeling...Irregardless whoever wins job lets keep our fingers crossed he's at worst better than journeyman quality and true champion with all intangibles at best.

[Jimbo]

Tom, I was going to ask "Frank" if he were related to Flipper also. YOU beat me to the punch. I agree with the 5 wins, thinking 7 would be a stretch.

Frank, I'd love to see you right and me eat my words.

Even tho the offseason has seen rebuilding at biblical proportions, not enough talent at the skill positions. Particularly weak CB's will be the sore spot. New people, new coaches, new everything. I would say the H Coach is an unknown and he will probably coach himself out of a game we should win...Rookie mistakes, but won't give games away like Cam did.

[Jimbo]

Raoul, amen to that. I don't care which guy starts, finishes, whatever, I just wanna win. I do believe that Beck is much better then what we saw unfold last yr. Bringing in Henne helps Beck because of the competition factor. Beck is stronger mentally then to cry over Henne being drafted.

[mike1]

I have nothing against PETA when they pretty supporters wear nothing. Especially like the lettuce pieces covering body parts.

The soccer streaker is pretty..but you can now see how Playboy really does a good job of making someone look much hotter than they really are.

[ajd]

Well Greg...I'm pretty sure who you've voted for over the past 6 elections....and I assume McCain is your man now? Very enlightened...you're not.

[Frank]

Guys,,, No Relation to Flipper and trust me I know my predictions are more then far fetched... I've been Bleeding Aqua and Orange since 1972 when I got my first set of pads (#39 Jersey) and beat my Bro in a game of 1 on 1 in the backyard in Hallendale. A lot of the close games can go ether way. I just prefer they go MIAMI'S, Plus with the parity now adays anything is possible...

It's not like I predicted a Superbowl.....
Yet??

Cheers..

[Flipper72]

Frank,

I like what you said. 11-5 could happen but I still say the Bills win the Division, we end up second and the Pats and Jets third and fourth. If you are correct, then hey-
I'm all for it...!!!

The Fins are going to shock a hell of a lot of people on this blog as far as doing a complete turnaround from last year.

Wait and see people....Oh Yhea!!

[Flipper72]

Naples Jack,

Peter King is a fat slob who has never been right about anything. This is the same idiot that predicted the Redskins would win the Super Bowl, when Daniel Snyder went on a spending spree. Pats ranked # 1? Whatever!

This isn't college football Salt Peter.

Pats still have to deal with spygate, the fallout from all the damage caused, an Offensive Line that was exposed in the Super Bowl and is now another year older and slower. Starting a whole bunch of new players on Defense that have never played together. There is no way in hell this team will even make the play-offs this year.
The dynasty died last year on that miracle pass from Eli Manning to David Tyre. The Pats need to start rebuilding- age has caught up to them on both sides of the ball.

They still have talent and will be competitive but injuries will also decimate them this year. They are due for an injury plaqued season....this will be their year!

A lot of people are going to owe the Fins a huge apology when the season is over-
that includes you too Tom for not having any faith.

[Flipper72]

Semi-streaked..??? What the hell??

You either go all out or sit the heck down!

Where is Lady Godiva when you need her?

Now I am going to have to buy that Playboy issue just because Cote sold me on this braud.

[Flipper72]

Here you guy Naples Jack- the beginning of the end....I can't believe these fucks videotaped us. Figures!!!

Former employee Walsh sends Spygate tapes to NFL

Updated: May 8, 2008, 2:05 AM EST 343

Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh sent the NFL eight videotapes that show New England violated league rules by recording opposing coaches' playcalling signals.

The tapes include signals by coaches of five opponents in six games from 2000-02, but don't include video from the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough before the 2002 Super Bowl.

The NFL said it received a letter from Michael Levy, the lawyer for Walsh, detailing the tapes that were scheduled to arrive Thursday at the league's New York offices.

The tapes sent to the NFL show the Patriots recorded signals in regular-season games against Miami, Buffalo, Cleveland and San Diego, and against Pittsburgh in the 2002 AFC championship game.

"This is consistent with what the Patriots had admitted they had been doing, consistent with what we already knew," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press.

The New York Times first reported the story on its Web site Wednesday night.

Walsh, who worked for New England from 1997 to 2003, agreed to turn over the tapes and other evidence by Thursday. He's scheduled to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell next Tuesday about New England's taping of opposing teams.

"We're not going to comment," said Stacey James, the Patriots' vice president for media relations. He added he expected the team will wait to issue a statement until after Walsh meets with Goodell.

Walsh's name first surfaced just before this year's Super Bowl, nearly five months after the Patriots were sanctioned for illegally taping the New York Jets in the season opener - a $500,000 fine for coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the organization, and the loss of a first-round draft pick.

At that time, the Boston Herald also reported an unnamed Patriots employee illegally taped the Rams' final walkthrough before the 2002 title game, when New England, a two-touchdown underdog, upset St. Louis 20-17.

Goodell previously has said he was fully prepared to crack down again on the Patriots if his meeting with Walsh uncovered a tape made of the Rams' walkthrough practice.

"Mr. Walsh has never claimed to have a tape of the walkthrough," Levy told The New York Times. "Mr. Walsh has never been the source of any of the media speculation about such a tape. Mr. Walsh was not the source for the Feb. 2 Boston Herald article."

After more than two months of negotiations, lawyers for the league and Walsh finally reached an agreement on April 23 on terms that will allow him to talk with Goodell. They include an agreement by the Patriots not to sue Walsh and to pay his legal expenses and his airfare to New York from Hawaii, where he is now a golf pro.

[raoul duke]

Flip that would be Black Sox scandal material if true. But as corrupt as everything is lets say Walsh has goods going back to Pats filmimg Rams walk through. Kraft and Goodell and any other NFL high rollers that don't want to see good name of NFL tarnished would probably make Walsh and his attorney multi- billionares to just to be rid of them and avoid fallout. We'll know for sure should Walsh and his attorney decide to buy a football team in next few years. Hey maybe New England will be for sale by then. goddamn I'm a cynic aren't I? I thoroughly dislike all of Fins AFC East opponents and to say I have found Pats Dynasty repulsive would be understatement. I know this will make me sound like a yeast infected pussy but I would have some sympathy for decent Pats fans, hell average football fans just wishing for elusive championship year after year, don't deserve this kind of s***. Only Jets fans really deserve this kind of s*** and they haven't been relevant since the outbreak of the Black Death and a drunken Namath humorously hit on female sports reporter a while back.
I'm not going to get overly sentimental about this item. If Pats did it they should be flushed down the commode. Actaually I was more than satisfied with Big Blue's beating them fair and square and preserving Perfectville. Sorry naples jack I get impression Merc isn't one of your favorite guys.

[Tom]

Flipper

If this story is true, it appears Spygate is a dead issue. Shit!

I have faith Flipper, just not blind faith. I'll be very happy if the Fish make progress this year and more importantly find a real NFL QB. If we finish up this year knowing we've got the goods at QB I will consider that fact alone as evidence of a very successful season.

I hope you and your "brother" Frank are right. I would love nothing more than to turn it around in one year. My fear is that fans will be disappointed with 5-11 or 6-10 and start bitching. I hope that doesn't happen, because unlike last year I'm convinced this new leadership group will turn this team around. This is not the brainless duo of Cam_Mueller. You could have given those idiots until hell froze over and they never would have won more than 3 or 4 games a year.

[Flint]

Hey Greg, So Armando Salguero blogs about McCown yesterday then writes a column about McCown today and you feel the need to blog about McCown?

Couldn't come up with something original?