Super Bowl Blog: Day One In Dallas
By Peter Schwartz
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Greetings from Dallas everyone!
Most of the media covering Super Bowl XLV, including Jerry Recco and I, arrived in town on Sunday. The finishing touches were being put on radio row and by Sunday night, the media hotel was buzzing as Super Bowl week was about to get underway.
The Steelers arrived here in Dallas on Monday morning and the Packers followed in the afternoon. Both teams could be in for a wet and cold week of practice unless they decide to move it indoors.
But before they hit the practice field, Tuesday is media day at Cowboys Stadium. It's a good thing that the place has a roof. Check out this weather forecast for Tuesday:
Thunderstorms and wind with temperatures in the low 40's. There is a 100% chance of rain and winds will reach 21 mph.
I did attend another Super Bowl related event on Monday. It was an event conducted by VISA where four NFL players took part in a video game called "Financial Football". The game was played between two teams made up of local high school students with one team was "coached" by Cowboys running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice and the other team led by Bears running back Matt Forte and linebacker Lance Briggs.
It was appropriate that the players spoke to the students about saving money because that's just what the rank and file of the NFLPA has to do with a lockout looming. With that said, NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash will hold a news conference on Wednesday to update the ongoing labor situation. Then, on Thursday, the NFLPA will have a press conference of their own.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will hold his state of the league address on Friday, one day before the two sides will hold a negotiating session here in Dallas on the eve of the Super Bowl.
Could you imagine the buzz if there are marathon negotiations into Super Sunday?
How about Goodell coming on the FOX pre-game show and announcing that there is an agreement in-principal on a new CBA?
Okay. I'll stop dreaming now. We'll just have to see what happens.
Before I get back to the events here in Dallas, there was some Jets news on Monday. The team announced that Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Sal Alosi has resigned. Alosi had been serving an indefinite suspension for tripping a Dolphins player on the sideline during a punt return and having inactive players form a wall along the sideline.
"After speaking with Sal, he decided that it is best for him to tender his resignation at this time," said Tannenbaum. "We appreciate all of Sal's contributions during his tenure with the team. He played an invaluable role in our success and established what we feel is one of the better strength and conditioning programs in the NFL."
Did Tannenbaum say "he decided" meaning this was Alosi's decision?
Come on!
"I'm thankful to have been a part of the New York Jets," said Alosi. "I am especially grateful to Mr. Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan for allowing me the opportunity to be a head strength and conditioning coach in this League. I have many fond memories, including earning my first NFL job in 2002. After the events that have transpired, I feel it's best for my family and me to look for a fresh start. I wish nothing but the best for the entire organization."
Okay, now back to Super Bowl XLV.
On Tuesday, I will take part in my first Super Bowl Media Day. Here's what happens…..
5,000 people who were issued media credentials will descend on Cowboys Stadium to talk with the players and coaches of both teams. At 11am Eastern, the Packers take the field for an hour. Then, after an hour lunch break (YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), it's the Steelers turn.
Basically, the story will not be anything that the players or coaches say, but what ridiculous questions are asked by the collection of bozos that will make life difficult for the legitimate reporters that are there.
While members of the media like Jerry and myself try to make our way towards the various interview areas to ask questions about Sunday's game, there's sure to be someone from a tabloid television show or a foreign reporter wearing a wedding dress, or a reject from a reality show asking the players something like…
"If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"
It's a spectacle every year and Tuesday figures to be no different.
That's it for now. Check back soon for more of the latest from here in Dallas!
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