Flying Fan

Photo Credit: 
http://www.wanderlustatlanta.com/ 

Two fans were injured at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia after a 20 year old male fell from the upper deck and landed on a fan in the mezzanine area.  The young man fell about 35 feet during the Tennessee vs. NC State game.  Both fans were taken to the Atlanta Medical Center after the incident, where it was stated that both fans suffered minor injuries.

"We were celebrating.  He started pumping fists and was leaning over the rail.  He just slipped off.  We looked down.  It took forever to get someone down there.  He was moving a little but it took about fifteen minutes to get a stretcher down there." -Ryan Coleman, Tennessee Senior

The young man fell when Tennessee scored there second touchdown of the first half.

Replacement Refs In

Look like the replacement refs are in for the NFL, at least they are for week 1.  Ray Anderson, NFL Executive Vice President, informed the 32 teams on Wednesday via memo stating that the replacement refs will work as much of the regular season as necessary.

"One of our key goals in this negotiation is to enhance our ability to recruit, train and replace officials who are not performing adequately.  We believe that officials should be evaluated and performance issues addressed in the same way as players, coaches, club management and league staff.  We have proposed several steps to accomplish this, including having a number of full-time officials and expanding the overall number of officials." -Ray Anderson

The NFL Referees Association has been locked out since early July and negotiations are currently at a stand still between the referees and the league.

"We are not surprised, based on Ray Anderson's statement, that the NFL was not going to reach out to us. However, this is consistent with the NFL's negotiating strategy which has been 'take it or leave it and lock them out.'  It now appears the NFL is willing to forego any attempt to reach a deal in the last seven days before opening night." -Michael Arnold, NFLRA spokesman

The NFL's opening night of regular season is Wednesday September 5 between the Dallas Cowboys and defending champs New York Giants.

Notre Dame suspends Cierre Woods

Notre Dame announced Sunday that Running Back Cierre Woods as well as Defensive End Justin Utopo would be suspended for the first two games of the season.

"Our players are aware of the standards I set for our program and that failure to meet my expectations will result in consequences.  Justin and Cierre violated our team rules so I've suspended them for the first two games of the season." -Coach Brian Kelly

The school did not announce what caused the suspensions but other players of the program have also been suspended including quarterback Tommy Rees and Linebacker Carlo Calabrese.  The suspensions come at the same time as Cornerback Lo Wood being out for the entire season with a ruptured Achilles.   

TO Out

Joe Nicholson/US PRESSWIRE

Just when we think that things may be looking up for Terrell Owens, we  get news that things are back on the downfall.  Seattle announced Sunday that they had terminated TO's contract.  All teams had to reduce their roster from 90 to 75 by Monday August 27th at 4PM EST. Unfortunately for Owens he was one of those 15 that the Seahawks decided to let go.  

Owens took to twitter and stated the following:

I'm no longer a Seahawk I THANK the organization for the opportunity, I'm truly blessed beyond belief.  My FAITH is intact and will not waiver."

Owens last played in the NFL for the Bengals in 2010.  During the preseason TO caught only two passes in the second and third preseason games.  Lack of production and the large number of drops outweighed his catches and workouts.

"We really liked the group that we assembled.  Terrell came in here and busted his tail and he looked really effective right from the start.  But as we just took a look at our guys that are coming through the program and growing up with us we thought it would be best for us to stay with those guys." -Coach Pete Carroll

Lance Armstrong Bows Down

 Photo: EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say 'Enough is enough.' For me that time is now." -Lance Armstrong

Vick Leaves Game With Injury, AGAIN

It's only game 2 of the preseason and Michael Vick has already had to leave the game twice due to injuries.  Is this a bad sign for the Eagles?

Ejected Fans Required to Take Course

Seems like the NFL is fed up with the misbehavior of fans at the games. Any fan that gets ejected from a football game must now take a four-hour online course before being able to return to a game.