411 Sports Online Issue 34_09

TOP 10 HARDEST HITTERS VOLUME V ISSUE 34 • AUG. 20-26, 2009

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SPEARS, THE ATHLETE AND THE BUSINESSMAN PG 8

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VOLUME V ISSUE 34 • AUG 20-26, 2009 PUBLISHER/EDITOR CEDRIC E. LYONS EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR. ROBERT L. WOODARD ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER COPY EDITOR S. L. LYONS

THE FASTEST 400M WOMAN IN U.S. HISTORY

STAFF WRITERS EUGENE LYNCH DELMETRIA MILLENER BERTRAM D. ADAMS CHERYL W. ROBINSON DJ BIG BINK (97.9 THE BEAT) GREGORY MOORE DARYL WASHINGTON CHRIS HOWELL

Renowned for her ability to challenge a speeding bullet, Sanya Richards is the youngest woman ever to break the elusive 49-second barrier at 400 meters.

She won two Olympic Gold medals in the 4×400m relay at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She also won an individual bronze medal at the STEVE HARVEY

ROY JONES JR

MARCUS SPEARS

Tony Romo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHARLES STEPHEN FOSSETT, III TRINA S. GEORGE CHELSEA SHEFFIELD LATOYA HARDAWAY PEARL JR. OCTAVIA WHITELOWE MARK CRUTCHER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LAUREN JACKSON K EDWARD ROSS DESIGN DEPARTMENT WORLD PRODUCTION AND DESIGN

In 2008, I played in an 8-team work fantasy league with six first-time players. I had never played with so many newbies in one league, but

Marcus Spears, born March 8th, 1983, began his illustrious athletic career by setting numerous high school records in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He continued to excel at Louisiana State University during his

05 8

For one magical evening, it was 1998.

And, after a vintage turn-back-theclock performance at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on Saturday night, it seems Roy Jones Jr. may get at least one more chance

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the world needs to know about how Steve Harvey stepped his game up and brought his

10 18

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BENCH WARMER

By CEDRIC E. LYONS SPITTIN’ AT

THE WATER COOLER

BURRESS PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGES According to ESPN, Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress pleaded guilty Thursday to a weapons charge and agreed to a two-year prison term for accidentally shooting himself at a Manhattan nightclub.

Burress pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a lesser charge than he initially faced.

Under a plea agreement, he agreed to a two-year prison sentence and two years of supervised release.

Burress was indicted earlier this month on two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. He faced a minimum sentence of 3½ years if convicted at a trial.

The guilty plea ends months of haggling between Burress' attorney and the Manhattan district attorney's office. The case went to a grand jury earlier this month after negotiations broke down, apparently because District Attorney Robert Morgenthau was insisting that Burress serve at least two years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Dwyer said it is standard policy to request a twoyear sentence as part of a plea bargain on such serious charges. Sentencing was set for Sept. 22.

In a Manhattan state Supreme Court room on Thursday, the soft-spoken Burress, wearing a dark blue suit, first entered a notguilty plea to the initial charges against him.

After attorneys on both sides conferred, Burress said, "guilty" to the new attempted weapons possession charge.

His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said in court that the 31-year-old Burress was thinking of his family in taking the plea, although he questioned the recommended prison sentence.

"This was not an intentional criminal act," Brafman said. "In my judgment, a two-year prison sentence is a very severe punishment."

With time off for good behavior, the sentence could be reduced to 20 months.

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MARSHALL WANTS NEW DEAL According to the Denver Post, "That didn't take long. On the first business day after Brandon Marshall was exonerated of battery charges following a trial Friday in Atlanta, his agent, Kennard McGuire, walked into Broncos headquarters at Dove Valley between training camp workout sessions Monday. Two NFL sources said McGuire sought out Broncos management to get a feel for the team's position on giving Marshall a contract extension. The Broncos told McGuire that at this time they were not willing to rework the wide receiver's deal, which has one year and $2.2 million remaining. Marshall then reiterated his trade demand that he first issued in June. The Broncos again told Marshall on Monday that they would not trade him. Amid this contract disagreement was another issue that caused Broncos chief operating officer Joe Ellis to personally apologize to Marshall. A teammate had told Marshall that a member of the Broncos' public relations staff was telling players after their preseason game Friday night what to say if they were asked about Marshall's acquittal. According to one source, the players were told: "Don't say you're happy for Brandon. Say it's good for the organization that this is behind us."

Marshall, believing the PR staffer was getting a directive from a superior, met with Ellis on Monday. Accompanying the receiver was Harvey Steinberg, the lawyer who represented Marshall at his trial. Ellis apologized to Marshall during the meeting. A team source said the PR staffer was independently offering the advice. And so it goes with the Broncos and their young stars at Dove Valley. Marshall was excused from the evening practice Monday - when not injured, he has been on a one-a-day camp schedule - and McGuire left the team's headquarters without comment around 6:40 p.m. Despite issuing his trade request, Marshall is not planning a contract holdout, in part because he doesn't want to pay a daily fine of $15,888. He is expected to participate in the team's practice this afternoon."

Publisher clyons@411sportsnews.com AUG. 20-26, 2009

THE FANTASY TEAM DREAM: BE REALISTIC, GET LUCKY

BY JORGE

In 2008, I played in an 8-team work fantasy league with six first-time players. I had never played with so many newbies in one league, but they were all big football fans, so I assumed they would pick up the game rather quickly. As it turned out, they never even had the chance. It was one of the most laughable live drafts I have ever been a part of. You're going to think I'm lying, but I'm not. I had Tony Romo and Kurt Warner as my QBs, Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson as my RBs, Randy Moss and Reggie Wayne at WR and Jason Witten at TE. It was the dream roster. It's the kind of thing you look at and say, "That dude MUST have cheated."

I coasted to a 13-1 record, winning my games by an average of 34 points. The first round of the playoffs was much of the same, as I destroyed my opponent by over 50 points. But in the championship, I faced off against a man with Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Hines Ward and Wes Welker on the roster.

They were all hot in week 16. Thankfully, I was spared embarrassment and managed to squeak out a title win by a measly six points.

It was a nice victory and quite handy for my fantasy profile, but I hardly gave it any credence. It's the kind of trophy you would throw into a box in an attic and forget about

Tony Romo - Dallas the next day. It just didn't mean anything.

But even though I wouldn't want to experience it again (it was a little boring, being so dominant), I'll always be glad I was a part of that league. After all, fantasy football is all about what would happen if you put superstars together on one team. In this case, I got the chance to see it, and it was a beautiful thing.

Now let's be realistic. Play fantasy AUG. 20-26 2009

PARRALES football for a few years and you learn that the team you want heading into the draft is not the team you will have when your draft is over. Someone else is going to have their eye on that player you wanted, it's just a matter of who grabs them up first. That's why the first pick is the most coveted. It's not a guarantee that you will win a championship, but it is a guarantee that no one else has a chance of taking YOUR guy.

But in the real world of genuinely competitive leagues, the only way to make a dream team is to get lucky with a stud in the bottom-half of the draft. The problem with

FANTASY FANTASY FOOTBALL Trent Edwards, QB, BUF - If you're looking for a backup (which I am), you couldn't do better than Edwards. The man is young and talented, and he's playing with a remarkable offensive group. He's throwing to Terrell

Jason Witten - Dallas

Adrian Peterson - Vikings this is, by the time you've reached pick number 100, you don't care as much because you know it's generally a crapshoot.

You might get the right guy, but you are just likely to miss him.

With all of that said, it's important to trust your gut. And I'm not talking about your improvisational gut. I'm talking about that guy you are thinking about right now. If there's a player out there you just KNOW is going to be a stud in 2009, you do what it takes to get him, even if it means taking them a round early. You're going to be wrong half of the time anyway, right? Even the experts are. But when you are right, there isn't a soul on the earth who can convince you that you aren't a fantasy genius. I know I've been preaching taking the safe picks and not going for the unproven guys too early and I stand by that. Just be sure you make that ONE pick at some point that will prove you to be the genius you and I both know you are.

I have my dynasty league draft coming up this weekend, so the first eight rounds are already covered. But you can be sure I still have a guy or two out there, and they are going to be playing on my roster this season.

The Bottom-Half Players I Must Have in 2009

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Owens, Lee Evans and future star James Hardy and has some unquestionable talent in the backfield to count on in Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. Owens might be a train wreck everywhere he goes, but that never happens in his first season with a new team.

You can count on him to help make Edwards a start-worthy QB in 12-team leagues.

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN - I'm just not ready to give up on Benson yet. For some reason, he couldn't find his rhythm in Chicago and try as he might to convince us otherwise, it is clearly his fault (see: Matt Forte). But when Cincinnati gave him another chance, Benson began to show that he hadn't wasted all of that talent just yet. I'm willing to bet that Benson will fit quite nicely into my flex slot.

Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE - I might be missing someone quite obvious, but in my memory, I cannot recall a single player that has ever fallen so wildly short of the lofty expectations he had earned for himself. After recording 1300 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007, Edwards was one of the first five receivers taken in virtually every fantasy draft in 2008. Even if he didn't match his '07 production, it was hard to imagine he couldn't do enough to be a starter on most fantasy rosters. In my league, where I drafted Edwards as the third overall receiver in the draft, he wound up starting three weeks total (and two were from the first two weeks of the season). Edwards gave us 870 yards and three pathetic touchdowns. But I haven't forgotten 2007 yet, and neither should you, if you have any sense. He's still available in round 9 in my league, but he probably won't be available in round 10.

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5

COVER STORY SPECIAL

Renowned for her ability to challenge a speeding bullet, Sanya Richards is the youngest woman ever to break the elusive 49-second barrier at 400 meters.

She won two Olympic Gold medals in the 4Ă—400m relay at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She also won an individual bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, for the 400m. She won a gold medal in the 2009 World Championships in Berlin in the 400 meters race.

Career Richards left Jamaica for the USA at the age of 12 and became a US citizen in May

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TO

THE FASTEST 400M WOMAN IN U.S. HISTORY

BY LLOYD VANCE, 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTANIMENT

2002. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, she lettered in basketball in high school and is a member of the National Honor Society, ending her high school academic career with a 4.0 grade point average. In 2002 she was named National High School Female Athlete of the Year, USA Track and Field's Youth Athlete of the Year, and Track and Field News Women's Prep Athlete of the Year.

She has won a silver medal in the 400 meters at 2005 World Championships in Athletics. In 2006, together with Jeremy Wariner (400 m) and Asafa Powell (100 m) she won her sixth out of six Golden League

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events (100 m) in the same season, which earned her a total of $250,000. She broke Valerie Brisco-Hooks' US record of 48.83 with a 48.70 at the end of the 2006 season and was named IAAF 2006 Female World Athlete of the Year. After failing to qualify for the 400m at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics in Osaka due to illness which caused her to finish fourth in the US trials, Richards was the favourite to win gold in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and qualified fastest for the final, but went out of the blocks too quickly and was overtaken in the finishing straight by Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain and

AUG. 20-26, 2009

COVER STORY

Shericka Williams of Jamaica, consigning her to the bronze medal.

In the 2009 season, Richards took the 400 m national title in 50.05 seconds, finishing over half a second faster than the second placed Debbie Dunn. Although she expected faster times, she stated that winning the 2009 World Championships in

Berlin was her number one goal. A win in 49.46 s at the Golden Gala in Rome broke Marita Koch's record for most sub-50 second runs, bringing Richards' career total to 36.

Sponsorship In Aug 2007, Sanya was signed as a global brand spokesperson for Nutrilite, the world's leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements (based on 2006 sales). Nutrilite products are sold through Amway corporation.

shedding her tag as a major-event bridesmaid by dancing the Dallas boogie after winning the 400m at the world titles yesterday.

The victory in 49.00sec - the fastest time in the world this year - broke a long run of outs for Richards, including a disappointing third at the Beijing Olympics when she blundered by going out too hard.

But she got the tactics just right yesterday, powering away from the field on the home straight.

Jamaican Shericka Williams was second in 49.32 and Russian Antonina Krivoshapka claimed bronze in 49.71, while Richards' arch rival, Britain's Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, could do no better than fifth.

"I did (feel pressure following the previous near-misses) and that's why I wanted to shake it this year," Richards said.

"I would love to have won at the Olympics and prior world championships, but I definitely think that sometimes you have to learn things to grow.

Fulfilling a promise to her sister and cousins, Richards treated the crowd to her favourite dance, the Dallas boogie, after crossing the finish line.

Making the victory even more special was that Richards has to manage Behcet's syndrome, a condition which disrupts the immune system and flares up under stress.

"I've been through a lot, I've learned a lot and I feel like I'm a much better athlete because of it."

Personal Richards graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 with a degree in management information systems. She is a singer and a dancer, regularly putting on shows for family and friends. Since 2007, she has been engaged to current New York Giants cornerback & Super Bowl champion, Aaron Ross. They have been dating since 2003.

She suffers from the Behรงet's disease (a form of vasculitis), which has caused her difficulties in her training and athletics career.

Sanya Richards celebrated AUG. 20-26 2009

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Kenyan Ezekiel Kemboi came into the championships as the reigning Olympic gold medallist but, like Richards, he also had some unfinished business to attend to, having finished runner-up in the steeplechase at the previous three world titles.

And he did it in style, winning in a championships record 8min 00.43sec ahead of countryman Richard Mateelong and Frenchman Bob Tahri.

Moroccan Jamel Chatbi did not make it to the start-line after returning a positive test for the banned stimulant Clenbuterol.

Phillips Idowu won Britain's second gold of the titles, soaring 17.73m in the triple jump.

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7

SPEARS, THE ATHLETE AND THE BUSINESSMAN BUSINESS IN THE NEWS Marcus Spears, born March 8th, 1983, began his illustrious athletic career by setting numerous high school records in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He continued to excel at Louisiana State University during his college years. In 2005, Marcus was the 20th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Since then he is known by fans around the globe as number 96, the Dallas Cowboys starting defensive end. At 6 foot 4 inches tall and over 300 pounds of speed, muscle, brawn and brain, Marcus continues to forge his path of unforgettable athletic excellence.

PRO: The Cowboys drafted Marcus Spears in the first round (20th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, mainly because of his versatility for a near300 pound lineman who possess rare quickness for his size. After two years of playing defensive end, where he has started 26 games, the Cowboys are counting on Spears' athleticism more than ever, with a different version of the 34 defense that should allow Spears to be in an attack-mode more than ever. In his first two seasons with the Cowboys, Spears has recorded just 2.5 sacks, including only one in 2006, despite starting every game. He is looking to get back to his quarterback-chasing days in college, where he recorded 34.5 career tackles for losses and 19.0 sacks, the fifth most in LSU history. Spears has

endured some bad luck in each of his first two training camps.

In his first training camp in 2005 as a rookie, Spears sprained his right knee and ankle while straining his calf. What could have been a serious injury was only a minor setback for the athletic Spears. He missed the first three preseason games but bounced back in time for the final preseason game and recorded three tackles and a sack. Before the 2006 season, Spears underwent minor knee surgery to repair meniscus damage, which forced him to miss the first two weeks of training camp. He was able to return to play in the final three preseason games, along with the entire regular season and playoff game. Spears finished ninth on the Cowboys' defense with 48 tackles and tied for fifth on the squad with three quarterback pressures. But as a highly-motivated and determined player, Spears is not only looking to return to the starting lineup in 2007, but carry on a leadership role for the defense.

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AUG. 20-26, 2009

Favre is a Viking 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - Brett Favre is coming back again, and this time it's with the Minnesota Vikings.

After weeks of speculation, Favre ended his second retirement on Tuesday. He boarded a plane from Hattiesburg, Mississippi and landed in St. Paul, Minnesota, then was quickly transported to the Vikings training facility, underwent a physical and signed an undisclosed contract.

Reports have the deal at two years worth a possible $25 million should all the clauses regarding performance and health be met.

"I am excited about the opportunity to join this football team," Favre said in a release by the team. "From ownership, to coaching, to the players, it is evident that everyone in the Vikings organization is committed to bringing the fans of Minnesota a championship. I am eager to join my new teammates and get to work towards that goal."

It was in late July that Favre told Vikings head coach Brad Childress that he was not ready to make another comeback, but speculation had been that Favre was delaying his decision to avoid the rigors of training camp, which ended for the Vikings last week before the team's first preseason game against Indianapolis.

The Vikings were having an open competition for the starting quarterback job between journeyman Sage Rosenfels, who was acquired from Houston in February, and Tarvaris Jackson, a 2006 second-round pick of the Vikings who has had ample opportunity to claim the starter's role.

AUG. 20-26 2009

That has now turned into a competition to determine Favre's backup.

"We believe adding a player such as Brett Favre to our mix will be a strong positive for this football team," said Childress. "As we have conveyed before, his unique knowledge of our system, the NFC North and his innate skills make this a rare opportunity. We felt there was a brief window to reconsider the possibility and we owed it to the organization to evaluate our options.

After thorough discussion, the same variables that made this a unique and positive situation previously, still exist. Now, our attention turns to getting to work as a team, our next practice and preparing for the season."

Favre's first chance at competition will come on Friday when the Vikings host Kansas City in their second preseason game.

"I would expect him to play (on Friday)," Childress stated at a press conference held later in the day introducing Favre. "We still got a little bit of time here. We'll see how he feels tomorrow.

There's no question systematically he can do that. He went out on the football field without a meeting or anything. He had a physical, ate lunch and got his stuff on and went out there. We'll see."

Favre, who turns 40 in October, spent the 2008 season with the New York Jets, then announced his retirement for a second time in as many years. He first retired as a Green Bay Packer following the 2007 campaign.

After a disappointing end to the 2008 season

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with the Jets, Favre underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon affecting his throwing shoulder -- an indication he was set to make another comeback. He apparently played with that injury in the final five games of last season, when the Jets won just once and went from playoff contender at 8-3 to missing the playoffs completely at 9-7.

"I knew if I was to play I had to have surgery.

Last year, playing with a torn biceps...as the season went along, my arm got worse and worse.

I wanted to make sure if I was to play I didn't go through that again," Favre said in addressing the

see FARVE on page 22

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9

JONES POUNDS LACY, SETS UP IBO Biloxi, MS (Sports Network) - For one magical evening, it was 1998.

And, after a vintage turnback-the-clock performance at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on Saturday night, it seems Roy Jones Jr. may get at least one more chance in boxing's biggest spotlight.

Just a few months away from his 41st birthday and five years removed from his most recent world championship, Jones nonetheless looked the part of a title contender in a punishing 10round defeat of fellow former beltholder Jeff Lacy.

Lacy's corner waved off the carnage after the 10th round.

The win boosts Jones to 54-5 in a career that began in 1989, and, more notably, puts him in line for a shot at a belt in the only division he's not conquered between middleweight and heavyweight.

An agreement in principle has been reached for Jones to challenge new IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green, who captured that vacant crown with a fifth-round stoppage of Julio Cesar Dominguez on Saturday night's undercard.

The fight is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 21.

"I knew (Lacy) was coming with that sort of

style, so I had to get back in the best of shape," Jones said. "And now I'm taking it to the Green."

Jones, who claimed to be buoyed in training camp by the return of his father, Roy Jones Sr., to lead status in his corner, looked the part of a 20something throughout, continually clowning with the crowd, the ringside TV crew and a small contingent of Lacy fans alongside the St. Petersburg native's corner.

"I was telling them, 'He's a rookie. This is a rookie. I'm a professional. And this is what you do

TITLE SHOT

to a rookie, you take him school,'" Jones said.

And all the while, with his back against the ropes or in the center of the ring, he repeatedly strafed Lacy with hooks to the body and head, punctuated by the occasional uppercut.

The beating left Lacy with two badly swollen eyes, a cut alongside the right eyelid and a body that'll no doubt be feeling the effects of the punishment for weeks to come.

"I am the best hooker in the game," Jones said. "I've got the best left hook in the business.

Being 40 don't mean a doggone thing to me. I don't have a style. I just do this for a living, This is what I do."

Lacy, the former IBF and IBO champion at 168 pounds, fell to 25-3 "I came here and fought my heart out," Lacy said. "I left it all in the ring and hopefully we'll come back here down the road and do it again."

The fight's start time was delayed several minutes after a controversy with the gloves.

A ringside official said Lacy "couldn't get his hands in" the pair of Grant gloves he'd been assigned, prompting a last-minute change to Everlast for both fighters.

Lacy eventually entered the ring at 11:40 p.m.

ET, followed shortly after by Jones at 11:43.

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AUG. 20-26, 2009

Top 10 Hardest Hitters in NFL History 10. John Lynch, Safety 1993-2003 Tampa Bay, 2004-present Denver He quickly earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league. He has been fined numerous times for his hits, but hasn't stopped delivering them, reasoning that his hits help fire-up the team and stick in the mind of the opposition.

9. Dick Lane(Night Cornerback

Train)

Lane,

1952-1953 Los Angeles Rams, 1954-1959

1984-1993 Philadelphia, 1994 Arizona Waters was a tough player and ferocious hitter, although many questioned the fairness of his tackles. He even earned the nickname "Dirty Waters." "He scared everybody - receivers, running backs, quarterbacks," said former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski. "He was a tough guy. He believed in the theory of reduction: If you keep hitting people, they don't want to get up."

7. David (Deacon) Jones, Defensive End 1961-1971 Los Angeles Rams, 1972-1973 San Diego, 1974 Washington Jones saw football as a game of "civilized violence." He coined the term sack, saying, "you sack a city -- you devastate it." His other creation, which has been outlawed, was the head slap, where the pass rusher sharply slapped the blocker's helmet as the ball was snapped. He employed it as an effort to gain an extra step and break free.

1989-1998 Denver, 1999 N.Y. Jets Atwater, an eight-time Pro Bowler, often played more like a linebacker than a safety, delivering punishing hits and leading one of the best defenses in the NFL. 4. Ray Lewis, Linebacker 1996-present Baltimore His combination of toughness, strength and great athleticism has made him a sideline-tosideline force. He can stop the opposition up the middle or blindside runners on the perimeter with his ferocious hits.

3. Ronnie Lott, Cornerback-Safety 1981-1990 San Francisco, 1991-1992 Los Angeles Raiders, 1993-1994 N.Y. Jets When Lott published his autobiography in 1991, he titled it Total Impact, a fitting choice considering Lott was one of the hardest hitting defensive backs in league history. Cowboys coach Tom Landry (a hard hitter himself as a player) said Lott was like a middle linebacker playing safety and called him "devastating."

2. Lawrence T a y l o r , Linebacker

Chicago Cardinals, 1960-1965 Detroit In addition to being a constant threat to intercept passes, he was also seen as a devastating tackler. Lane was known for tackling by the head and neck. This type of tackle, outlawed today, was sometimes called a "Night Train Necktie."

1981-1993 N.Y. Giants

6. Dick Butkus, Linebacker

T a y l o r transformed the position of o u t s i d e linebacker from read-and-react to attack mode. His aggressiveness, intensity, speed and strength made him a dominant defensive player and one of the most feared players in football.

1965-1973, Chicago

1. Jack Tatum, Safety

Butkus didn't always look fast, but he got to the ballcarrier in a hurry and usually delivered a hit the offensive player remembered. Butkus was the most disruptive player in the game when he played.

1971-1979 Oakland, 1980 Houston Oilers

8. Andre Waters, Safety

5. Steve Atwater, Safety

AUG. 20-26 2009

FANTASY FANTASY FOOTBALL

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For better or worse, Tatum has a fair-share of famous hits to his name. He is most often associated with his devastating hit against New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in 1978, which damaged Stingley's spinal cord and left him paralyzed from the chest down.

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www.411sportsnews.com for more information call 866-874-4574 or e-mail info@411sportsnews.com

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AUG. 20-26, 2009

PAULETTE JANUARY

CHERYL FEBRUARY

DEVE’ MARCH

CHLOE APRIL

KNAJULA MAY

MISS DALLAS JUNE

MARRIETTA JULY

MICKY JULY

ASHLEY AUGUST

AJAY AUGUST

AUGUST SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

If you have events going on and want to invite the public, E-mail to info@411sportsnews.com UniverSoul Circus Southwest Center Mall Sun, Aug 2, 2009 12:30 PM

2

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME GAME – CANTON, OHIO

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3

4 Cowboys Report to Training Camp

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vs

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Mos Def and Special Guest Jay Electronica House of Blues Dallas

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AJAY Name: Ajay Milan Birthplace and Date: Chicago, IL and June 2nd (80's baby) Height: 5'6" • Weight: (125 lbs) Measurements: 32/24/36 Eye color/Hair color: Brown/Brown Best Asset: arms and abs.

Career Goal: My ultimate goal, after I become a Successful Actress, is to be able to open my Modeling Agency/Acting school for children and adults and by the grace of God that would be within the next few years.

Most embarrassing moment: Oh my goodness (lol), well if I tell you then it won't be a secret anymore.

Jet or 411 Sports? 411 Sports Summer or Winter? Summer!!

Mountains or Beach? does not matter Do you have any Brothers or Sisters?

Yes 1 and 1.

What would you do if you won a million dollars? Oh wow, well I would AUG. 20-26 2009

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Ringling Brother B&B Circus AAC July 29, 2009

Avant House of Blues Dallas 7:00 PM

5

FC Dallas vs.

Houston Dynamo Pizza Hut Park 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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13 vs

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Mike Epps Nokia Theatre Time: 8:00 PM Jay-Z Superpages.com Center David Alan Grier @ Addison Improv 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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Method Man House of Blues Dallas 7:00 PM

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Art De'Lecour Fashion Show and Art Exhibit Hosted by: NAACP The Westin

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TBAAL Presents: Nu Creations Fashion Show

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CALENDAR GIRL definitely give thanks to God first for wherever it came from and pay my Tithes. Then with the rest I would pay off my debt, support Victims of Rape society, and finally start my business.

Complete this phrase: "I would be voted most likely... To prosper in everything.

If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would it be? My age :) Bikini or One-piece? Definitely bikini.

Worst job ever: Ha….I would say my 2nd summer job as a teenager.

How much would you pay to win a date with yourself? (i.e. Charity Auction) Well I don't want to date myself but if it was for a good cause and I had the money $10,000.

Would you rather cook or clean? If you buy the food I'll cook and you can clean up.

Who pays on a date? The first date always a guy

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What is your hottest sports opinion? It's the biggest distraction to all MEN :) I've never been able to: get over my last boyfriend.

My last meal would be: Spaghetti, Mashed Potatoes, Salmon (seasoned just right and grilled), Salad and a couple of dinner rolls and I would want to have it with that special person in my life at that time.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Yum

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COVER

LL COOL J RELEASES MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE 'BILLIE JEAN DREAM'

SPECIAL 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Iced-out glove on a Bentley wheel?

Picture Michael Jackson rolling. LL Cool J raps from the perspective of the King of Pop on a new freestyle that came out Monday called "Billie Jean Dream (Michael Jackson Tribute)." Giving new meaning to the term ghostwriter, one of rap's all-time greatest MCs tells listeners at the end of the record that the late singer gave him inspiration while he slept.

"The crazy thing is, I had a dream.

Michael Jackson wrote that for me in a dream. That's crazy, right? I had a dream, and homeboy wrote it for me in a dream. I saw it on a paper. I woke up and just jotted it all down on paper.

Michael Jackson, that's for you, baby. I love you."

In the verse, Cool J raps over Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" beat.

"Number one in the world, imagine how it feels to hit up Sony for a billion on a deal," the Queens legend rhymes.

"Buy out the Beatles, tell Paul to chill / Too live to talk, y'all read it in my will/...

There's one King of Pop, nothing else poppin' off, comparing him to me, oh, please knock it off/ All of y'all emanating from one source/ Try to imitate it, but you can't pull it off.

"Hold my umbrella, give me some support," LL adds. "While I dance on the roof of the truck after court/ Can't pull me down, I don't know what y'all thought."

In addition to releasing the track, the rapper announced a Michael Jackson tribute contest on his Web site, Boomdizzle.com. Fans are encouraged to write their own MJ tribute songs, remix classic Jackson tracks or create music videos, and the winners will be promoted on the site.

James Todd Smith AKA LL Cool J (born January 14, 1968), is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl "and "Hey Lover" as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", and "Mama Said Knock You Out". LL Cool J stands for "Ladies Love Cool James." He has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades, with PAGE

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AUG. 20-26, 2009

LL COOL J RELEASES MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE 'BILLIE JEAN DREAM' more recent singles like "4, 3, 2, 1", "Headsprung" and "Luv U Better". He has released twelve studio albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his latest album being 2008's Exit 13, the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings. He now resides in Manhasset, New York with his wife and four children.

Early life LL spent most of his youth performing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts, and delivering newspapers. At age 16, by using a mixing table purchased by his grandfather at Sears, Smith produced and created demos and sent them to various record companies, including Def Jam Recordings.

Under his new stage name, LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James), Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat". The single sold over 100,000 copies and helped establish LL as a rapper in the music industry. The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, LL dropped out of Hillcrest High School to record his debut album.

drama House as a death row inmate felled by an unknown disease.

He also guest starred on 30 Rock in the episode The Source Awards as the hip hop producer Ridiculous, who Tracy Jordan fears is going to kill him.

He was recently cast as a series regular in the forthcoming CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles, a spin-off of the popular NCIS. LL Cool J will play Special Agent Sam Hanna, an ex–Navy SEAL who

AUG. 20-26 2009

LL Cool J. It now seems that the brand has shifted to quality urban apparel.

Books LL Cool J has written four books, with his first venture in 1998 "I Make My Own Rules", his autobiography co-written with Karen Hunter. His second venture into the literary world came with the childrenoriented book called "And The Winner Is..." in 2002. In 2006, LL and with his personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig wrote a fitness book, "The Platinum Workout". His fourth book "LL Cool J (Hip-Hop Stars)" was cowritten in 2007 with hip-hop historian Dustin Shekell and Public Enemy's Chuck D. Businessman and entrepreneur

Acting career LL Cool J has branched out into a successful film and television acting career. From 1995 through 1999, he starred on the NBC/UPN sitcom In the House as an ex-Los Angeles Raiders running back who finds himself in financial difficulties and is forced to rent part of his home out to a single mother and her two children.

In 1998, he had a prominent role in the film, Halloween H20. He followed up H2O with 1999's Deep Blue Sea, where he played the wise-cracking cook on a topsecret sea base besieged by geneticallyenhanced sharks. He returned to the gridiron later that year for a starring role in Any Given Sunday, in which he played Julian Washington, the talented but selfish running back on the dysfunctional Miami Sharks. Since then, LL Cool J has appeared in a variety of films, such as the 2002 remake of Rollerball, Deliver Us from Eva, and S.W.A.T..

In 2005, he returned to television in a guest starring role on the Fox medical

COVER

is fluent in Arabic and an expert on Middle Eastern culture. The series is set to debut in fall of 2009, but the characters were introduced in an April 2009 crossover episode on the parent show.

Fashion Smith had previously dabbled in fashion, having worked behind the scenes with the mid-eighties Hip-Hop sportswear line TROOP. In the mid 90's, LL also helped to launch a clothing line named FUBU which means "For Us By Us." Unbeknownst to many, LL was also part owner of FUBU as well.

LL Cool J launched a clothing line (also called Todd Smith). The initial concept of the brand seemed to focus towards the higher end of the market with a less expensive brand called "T.S". The aim of marketing for the clothes line is to be oriented towards the clothing rather than WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

LL Cool J at MyCokeFest at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

LL has started his own businesses in the music industry such as the music label in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God) and formed the company Rock The Bells to produce music. With the Rock The Bells label, LL had artists such as Amyth, Smokeman, Natice, Chantel Jones and Simone Starks. Rock the Bells Records was also responsible for the Deep Blue Sea soundtrack for the 1999 movie of the same name. It includes LL himself, all of his Rock The Bells artists, Cormega, Carl Thomas, West Coast artists Hi-C, DJ Quik and James DeBarge of DeBarge, R&B girl groups, Divine and F.A.T.E., Bass Odyssesy, Deetah and movie composer, Trevor Rabin. LL's involvement with the artists would extend to coproducing and writing songs for his artists.

Rufus "Scola" Waller was also signed to the label, but was released when the label folded.[18] LL has since founded another record label, "Platinum Harvest," and also signing a 15 year old rapper named, Nicolette. In the midst of his controversial comments concerning then–Def Jam President Jay-Z, LL admitted that he was once part owner of Def Jam but has since sold his ownership. He was offered the role as President of Def Jam, but he reportedly turned down the position 10 years ago (as of year 2007) based on his belief that he was not qualified enough.

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HE SAY/ SHE SAY Scenario: In a conversation today, my divorced friend says: "the majority of married people are unhappy so what's the point? And why married people are never together, that alone will let you know they are not happy." I disagree with at least one of the statements here. I love my husband dirty draws, but I would not want him under me 24/7. We are happy and we are not joined to the hip. I would like to take a survey.

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time?

2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together?

3) How many of you are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time?

He Says...

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time? Not me. No disrespect, but during times of arguments and battles, I enjoy being a way from her. LOL. And my wife has a habit of calling my name several times in the day for little things, "Would you bring me. . .," "Look on the counter and see if Cam's. . . .," "Why you in the back? Don't you wanna hang with us?"

2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together? Don't need to answer this one 3) How many of your are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time? ME! MEee!! Mee! My release and free time is the gym or yard maintenance. Other than that, the rest if for my family.

She Says...

I love my husband and have come to really appreciate and respect our times together and apart. Every relationship is different and you really have to understand who you are and what you expect from Marriage. If the needs change in the relationship, it can be devastating and end up in Divorce, so the discussions have to be there regarding the perosnal and couple time - Reality Hurts Sometimes. We actually have a better relationship when we can have "some" time apart and understanding this is not personal, but necessary.

Women who develop a dependency for their Partner to be their entire center of attention, are walking into pain.

Everybody needs time apart to "Regroup". I love my Husband and realize the best way to love him is to let him have his space, especially when it comes to Home Repair Projects!

He Says...

What really matters is your relationship not everyone elses. I feel bad for your friend, but don't let that cause you to doubt or question your relationship.

You said (in regards to your marriage) "We are happy and we are not joined to the hip." Hey... what more do you need?

I doubt we'd want to be under anyone 24/7 let alone our spouses. That's just human nature.

She Says...

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time? HA! 2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together? DOUBLE HA! 3) How many of your are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time?That is how we have stayed together this long!!

I do enjoy our alone time but if I had to be up under anyone 24/7 I would be a nut case.......okay a bigger nut case than I already am! LOL PAGE

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AUG. 20-26, 2009

HE SAY/ SHE SAY He Says...

Hummm, I am part of all of those.....I was off yesterday and my wife took off also, we hung out all day, chilling and laughing. So in that case I'm the No.1. Now, we understand, that bills gots to be paid, so we must work and all that, but if we don't have OUR time together we get cranky....so as she says "we are stingy toward each other", so I'm No. 2. Now, I have my fraternity meetings (PHA Freemasons/Shriners etc) and my wife has her things that I am not apart of, so we are No. 3 as well. Overall, she is my best friend, we have our time and we have individual time as well. When I was divorced from my first wife, I had to get over being bitter. Hell I was just hurt. she needs to learn to love herself so if love comes again she will have learned from the things that hurt her and from the things she did wrong in the relationship. this will make the new relationship much better. Love at times hurts, some hurt good, some hurt bad.

She Says... my husband is my best friend too, and we enjoy our time together (trust me we do). I am more out going than my husband and we always get invited to events, my husband's energy level is not where my energy level is so he may say he doesn't feel like going but you go and guess what, I go and I am cool with that. However, if there is some event I felt I needed to be chaperoned, then I say to him it would really be special if you escort me to this event and he does. That's the way we love in my family. We respect each other and we are concerned about each other enough to respect how we are feeling. I am sure this is the case quite often, but my friend is misunderstanding that because she want her man to be with her every minute, every second, every hour of the day. My friend and I have been friends since 5th grade so you know we tight, but when she got married, she only hung out with her husband. Of course, she invited me to stuff, but he was always around too. When he wasn't around her she discovered he cheated on her and that is where the anger for couples not being together comes from (in my opinion).

He Says...

1) I think we are all different and free time for me is mine and hers is hers. Later on in the day or night, we can enjoy quality time together or a date night. Key is do you then set time apart from her girlfriends, busines meetings as I set time away from my hobbies for some "me n my boo QT"!!

2) Really this does not apply coz we encourage each other to do stuff outside our careers be it volunteer, mentoring, empowerment or just a hobby. Every now and then we do invite one another to each others functions though.

3) Here here!! Football Sunday with the boys, the mans-ion (this will be the basement or garage) is mans paradise and should be left that way!! Involve her and the lose the basement couch, Vivica and Halle's calender from 1999, that licence plate from your first car pinned up in the garage and in exchange, she brings in candles and pottpur....however you pell that smelly stuff. What man you know would want that??? one thing to remember though; DO NOT.... I mean DO NOT let your friends predicament ruin a good thing that you have by picking out faults. Let her pick up her own pieces as you continue to enjoy your mate just as you always have. Believe me none of us (especially MEN) are perfect but you still learn to live with us and appreciate us as we are....bless your (crazy) hearts!!!

(TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE)

AUG. 20-26 2009

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Networking Spot Light on Steve Harvey The 2009 Hoodie Awards: Representing the 'Common Man' in a Special Way They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the world needs to know about how Steve Harvey stepped his game up and brought his Hoodie Awards to Sin City last weekend.

For the seventh anniversary of the ceremony -- honoring leaders in the business, education and spiritual sectors of the inner city -- Harvey & Co. not only presented the event at MGM's Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino but also sold it out to full capacity.

Yes, 12,000 seats of the Mandalay Bay Events Center (the same megavenue that held concerts for Britney Spears, Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz ) were occupied for a four-hour-plus show that featured an array of talent, including an opening act by Broadway's 'The Lion King' and performances by Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild and the one and only Teena Marie.

So what are the Hoodie Awards?

Think the Academy Awards for post office workers, a commencement for the people who make life easy (and, in some cases, greasy) in urban neighborhoods (aka "the Hood"). That's barber shops, beauty parlors, car-detailing operations, soul food establishments and even high schools.

"This is the greatest awards show on Earth because, finally, we're taking the initiative to honor the common man," Harvey told BV Newswire. "You know, I've been receiving awards for years, and when I come to work and when I walk in, I get a round of applause. Well, [there are] people in our neighborhoods who have been working tirelessly for years and years without any recognition, without a round of applause.

And it's time for them to get their shine on."

Hoodie Awards producers even rolled out a blue carpet for their nominees, who flocked to the West Coast's real capitol of lively entertainment from cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington, D.C. And Harvey, who hosts one of the top-rated PAGE

18

syndicated morning radio shows in the country, corralled some of his celebrity friends for the festivities, too. Tyler Perry, Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd, Wayne Brady, George Wallace, Judge Greg Mathis, Tommy Davidson, Gina Ravera, Adelle Givens, Steven A. Smith, Terrance J. & Rocsi, Anthony Hamilton, KJon, LaVell Crawford and Charlie Wilson were on hand to present awards.

"I just want to say that we care," Hoodie Awards creator and executive producer Rushion McDonald said during an emotionally charged acknowledgment from Harvey toward the end of the show. "We really, really do care."

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"This awards show is about how much we care, and how we try to motivate people to be more than what they think they can be," the sought after TV and radio producer (who is also Harvey's business manager) continued as the audience erupted in applause. "I'm from the neighborhood, and I know some advertisers say, 'Hoodie Awards? That's so ghetto.' Well, you know somebody from the ghetto, because you're from the ghetto. And guess what, I'm proud to be from the 5th Ward in Texas, because I had to start from somewhere. And I know where I'm at now and I know where I'm trying to take my people. And I'm looking back and reaching back and I'm dragging all of y'all with me."

AUG. 20-26, 2009

Black Eyed Peas Makes History On Music Charts Just six weeks after it closed its doors, Vibe magazine is being brought back to life. The publication, its Web site and other assets have been purchased from CapitalSource Bank by Uptown Media and InterMedia Partners for an undisclosed sum. Len Burnett (above), Uptown's CoCEO and Publisher, told Target Market News that the deal has been finalized, the Web site will be re-instated within days, and the magazine will appear again by the end of the year.

Burnett said that the deal was made possible by restructuring the investment made by InterMedia nearly two years ago that enabled Uptown to expand its operations. The lifestyle magazine targeted to affluent African-Americans is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary.

The Wicks Group, a private-equity firm, purchased Vibe in 2006 for reportedly $35 million, only to close it this past June when it was unable to secure financing or restructure its debt. CapitalSource Bank foreclosed on the publication's assets.

"We had started talking to the CapitalSource even prior to the closing," said Burnett. The operations will be overseen by

AUG. 20-26 2009

Burnett and his Uptown partner Brett Wright, Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer; Robert Miller, a member of the original team; and and Blackrock Digital Partners Chris Smith and Parker McNaughton. "We'll have a rate base of 300,000 and will publish quarterly the first year," said Burnett.

Robert Miller and Leonard Burnett; Uptown Magazine Co-Founder Brett Wright That circulation and frequency would closely match Uptown's, and Burnett said the

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two publications will have synergies such as in staff and administrative needs.

"This will create a stronger positioning for the company, by offering advertisers young adults and affluent AfricanAmericans. These are the two most active segments of the consumer market."

Burnett sees some changes in Vibe's editorial focus. "We'll go back to its roots of covering urban culture," he said. "It had gotten a little narrow in its focus on hip-hop. We're going to cover that and R&B and other music forms, as well as fashion and entertainment."

The return to Vibe's helm has to be something of a sweet victory for Burnett. He was one of the original founders of the magazine in 1993 and served as Vice President and Group Publisher until he resigned in October of 2007. Burnett said of this newest twist of fate, "It's good to come back.

Obviously Vibe has always been very near and dear to my heart."

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RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE DALLAS

DALLAS

DALLAS

OAK CLIFF

NORTH DALLAS

IRVING

ADAIR’S SALOON

HUMPERDINKS GREENVILLE

THE BEAGEL

HARDEMAN’S BBQ

BEN’S HALFYARD HOUSE

TEXAS BAR & GRILL

HAMBURGER

INWOOD TAVERN

THE OLD CROW

BRITISH ROSE PUB

JACK’S PUB & VOLLEY BALL CLUB

BROOKLYN

BALLS

CAPE BUFFALO CARSON’S PALACE

KLIFF KLUB

BILLIARD BAR

TIME OUT TAVERN

RUMORZ

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LAKEWOOD BAR AND GRILL

TWO ROWS RESTAURANT

SWEET GEORGIA BROWN

CRICKETERS’

LONE STAR CAFE AND CLUB

UPTOWN BAR AND GRILL OAK CLIFF

BUTTERFINGERS

O’RILEY’S

THE

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FOX & HOUND

SNOOKIES’ BAR AND GRILL

THE GYPSY TEA ROOM

TEPHEJEZ

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20

EMERALD CITY

MILO

CHARLIE’S DAIQUIRI DUMP

SOUTH DALLAS

BILLY G’S

COSMO ROUGE

TWO

Call 866-874-4574

MAXWELL’S

G G’S JAZZ

STONE TRAIL ARLINGTON

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TOP CAT SEAFOOD

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AUSTIN AVENUE

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HUMPERDINK’S

CATFISH FLOYDS

ADDISON/PLANO

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VERNON’S HOOLIGAN’S IRVING

RAWLINS

PODNERS

COWBOY’S CAFE

Place your restaurant or Club in 411 Restaurant and Entertainment Call 866-874-4574

Place your restaurant or Club in 411 Restaurant and Entertainment Call 866-874-4574

VOLCANO

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PERSONALS

Favre is a Viking

THE URBAN EXPERIMENT media for the first time as a Viking.

"From a few weeks ago, what has changed really, is I found out after the surgery that I still had a tear in my rotator cuff. I talked with Dr. (James) Andrews and he said 'had I fixed that, you wouldn't play this year, you might not play next year because that's a pretty serious surgery but it looks like you could play with it for quite a while.'

standpoint I came offer some experience and leadership," Favre said. "I still have that competitive fire in me. As a player, regardless of sport, you have to feel like you can make a difference and I truly feel like I can."

Favre has spent 18 seasons in the NFL and starred for 16 years with the Packers, who acquired him from Atlanta before the 1992 season. He threw four passes in two games with the Falcons, who had selected the Southern Mississippi product in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.

"Brad called yesterday and we had a good conversation. I hadn't talked to him in three weeks. Between three weeks ago when I said no and the conversation yesterday I was reassured

by Dr. Andrews that it (injury) wouldn't be an issue even though I thought it was over and done with.

The ultimate gunslinger, Favre was a seven-time All-Pro and was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, including this past season with New York. He left the game as the NFL's all-time record holder in several categories, including wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions and consecutive games started.

"It kind of gave me another chance yesterday. I felt like if they were going to give me a chance than I was too."

Last season he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,472 yards with 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. He was playing in a different system than what he was accustomed to in Green Bay. The Vikings run a similar system to that of the Packers.

"We have a really good football team here. We have a very good running game. I hope from that

"When people start talking about my legacy -- it's mine -- it's what I think of it. I know the way I've played the game (and) I know they way I've handled myself as a teammate and a leader," Favre said when asked about how the final years of his career will be viewed.

I

WONDER WHO IS LAUGHING NOW

The three-time MVP wanted to play last season with Minnesota after deciding to end his first brief retirement. The Packers, though, were unwilling to deal him within the NFC North and instead traded him to the Jets.

Favre has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 65,127 yards with 464 touchdowns and 310 interceptions. He led the Packers to a pair of Super Bowls, winning his lone title after the 1996 season in a 35-21 victory over New England. The Packers lost to Denver in the Super Bowl the following season.

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