The NCAA has denied Jerrell Powe eligibility to play football at Ole Miss for the upcoming 2007 season. He can’t play football, but he can get financial aid to attend classes and receive an education from Ole Miss, a school known for their academics not just their athletics.

My question is, do you think the ruling handed down should be considered a victory or a defeat for Powe?

I guess it would depend on who you ask. If you ask the professor, he may say it’s a victory because Powe will get to continue his education. If you ask the Ole Miss football fan, they may say it’s a defeat because he can't contribute to a Rebel defense that needs him, the one thing we know he’d be good at.

There’s no denying that Powe needs a lot of coaching in the classroom, but he also needs his team on the field. Football is what he’s good at, it what he knows.

If he does in fact have a learning disability such as dyslexia, than he should get the academic support that he needs to succeed. However, I would venture to say even if Powe becomes a stellar student in the classroom his success will be defined as an athlete on the field.

Christi

According to google there are 65,900,000 websites dedicated to fantasy football. With so many websites, domain names have gotten really creative; fantasy football café, fantasy football jungle, huddle geeks, football docs, or talking fantasy football (all with the .com at the end of course).

I tell you all this to point out that The Fantasy has become an obsession. There are magazines, websites, manuals, TV shows, and software all dedicated to fantasy football. Not to mention the millions of opinions out there. Everyone thinks they know who the keepers and sleepers are this season. And just accept your boyfriend’s, husband’s, or brother’s opinion when they say that their team is “the best” team.

Out of all the websites, the one I found most informing for us ladies is wikipedia.com. Seriously, it gives the full history of fantasy football and breaks down the leagues, drafts and scoring system. If you’re struggling to relate to your mate this time of the year get a fantasy education…or just host a kick butt draft party with buffalo wings and cupcakes in the shape of footballs. I’m sure there’s a website out there that discusses fantasy football food. It’s kind of a big deal.

Ladies and Gents, share some of your favorite party food ideas.

Christi

It’s the biggest national sports headline right now so naturally I had to give you my Vick opinion - in the form of a poem.

Michael Vick, he was the number one draft pick
He started dog-fighting and it made people sick
Now he’s going to serve time
And pay a big fine.
It’s sad and makes me want to scream
Vick sure won’t be on my fantasy team

Let’s hope we can move on, and move over for positive stories that come from the National Football League this season. It’s sad that all the headlines lately have involved athletes and the law.

My question is what NFL team and city will ever embrace him again as quarterback? You know he’ll serve his time, and be out right before for training camp next season. He won’t have his endorsements anymore, so what will he have? Or do you think his career is over? Speak people…it’s free!

Enough of this harsh reality stuff, lets move on to the fantasy world! The drafts are coming, are you ready? Ladies, if you ask your man about his fantasy for the next few weeks and he answers, “Tom Brady and Reggie Bush” don’t get mad.

It’s complicated, but I assure you it’s normal.

Christi

Lately, it seems like the trend for celebrities and athletes alike is to get served – with court documents. From toxic mother Brittany Spears (what a mess) to dog-fighting Michael Vick, the allegations and pleas are being given out like Emmy nominations.

The NCAA courts are requesting documents from Jerrell Powe’s lawyer to decide his fate on the football field. Powe’s lawyer served the NCAA with 2,000 pages of documents to get a play ball verdict. Currently Powe is practicing with the Ole Miss team, but he must prove himself in the classroom before he can serve time on the field.

Now Tim Donaghy, the NBA referee who has pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy is on a whole new level. He’s going to be spending more time in the higher courts than on the basketball court. He actually might be safer in jail than out where the mob can track him down.

And baby-daddy Matt Leinart finally came to terms over the custody battle with his ex-girlfriend. Allegations are that he is checking out and she is cashing in. A player from the Rutgers lady basketball team served Don Imus with a lawsuit claiming defamation of character. Sounds scary.

Maybe Sports Center should partner with CourtTV – now that’s a thought.

Christi

Mind the analogies:

Ladies, you know when you have a date on Friday night and you start planning what you’ll wear on Monday, making sure every element of your outfit is in place? Well, that’s essentially what the Saints football team has been doing week in week out during training camp. They’re not planning what they’ll wear to the game on Sunday, I mean how hard is that, black or gold? But they are putting together their game plan... and today they focused on that special little something - Special Teams

Accessories tend to make the outfit just as the special teams tend to decide a game’s outcome. Today the Saints gave their special teams some special attention. Special team’s Coordinator John Bonamego was all business with his microphone headset and all black attire. He works his players like they’re in boot camp and he’s the drill Sergeant…and 1 and 2 – double time.

Every player on special teams practiced their individual responsibility on kickoffs, punts, and field goals with the intensity set on high. Most players seemed to know their assignments, but no one player stood out as Steve Gleason has in the past. Gleason is out this season with a knee injury so players who want to take on his leadership role must prove to the coaches why they’re so special.

Training camp is three weeks of first impressions and coaches will soon decide who is deserving of a long-term relationship with the Saints.

Christi

Standing in the middle of the practice field at the Saints’ training camp I gained an up close and personal perspective. I learned to stay behind the ball at all times for fear of getting laid out like wide receiver Robert Meachem, in the Hall of Fame game.

I got in the trenches with the players to really live and breathe what they do – and it isn’t pretty. It’s been established many times, but in case you’re a hermit and you haven’t been out, it’s hot enough to fry an egg on a player’s helmet. After running through some drills, the team ran plays up and down the field. The receivers and running backs could use some work on the basics, and learn to lock the ball away every time they catch or carry the ball. Wide Receiver Marques Colston looked good as Brees’ go to guy. He’s got the height that will really help and a hand-span like none other. Seriously, the guy’s hands are larger than life. They’ll help him catch those amazing one-handed grabs in the corner of the end zone.

Now those offensive linemen have it tough. They’re the biggest guys on the field and sweating buckets. Seriously, I saw two 300+ players propped on one knee catching their breath and sweat was pouring from their shorts. It was gross and fascinating all at the same time.

All five quarterbacks, yes 5, got some quality snaps during practice. Jason Fife out of Oregon struggled a little, throwing low or outside. It was amazing to watch the difference between him and veteran Drew Brees. Brees has such a strength to his throw, and his follow through is one of the best. It’s like comparing your swing to Tiger Wood’s - if you can duplicate it you’re going to achieve greatness.

Overall practice was a B+. I think the heat is getting to the Saints because they don’t seem enthused or inspired. They seem drained – and who wouldn’t be with 100+ weather. Even Mississippi born and bred, Deuce McAllister, was suffering under the hot sun. He was calling in extra water reserves and asking assistants if practice would be out early – and sure enough Payton called practice 30 minutes early.

If they Saints play as hot as it is outside we’re in for a sizzling season!

Christi

Brees for President

The Quarterback, he’s the man of the game, he is hailed for the victories and blamed for the defeats... he is the face and name of the team and during training camp he’s the one in red.

At the Saints’ training camp you’ll find three guys in red all campaigning for the third and final in command position. Jamie Martin is the back-up, and Drew Brees of course has been solidified as the starting quarterback for the Saints. I’ve personally voted him my favorite QB in 2007. After watching him run sprints in his pads while everyone else did it without, I knew this guy was solid. But he is also soft. He has a kind heart for others. I witnessed first hand his willingness to take a few minutes to spend some time with a young boy who is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He could run off the field with his helmet on, but instead he takes his time leaving the field signing autographs and talking to fans. His small actions make a big influence.

The fans aren’t the only one to benefit from Brees’ influence; his teammates are better because he works overtime with them to make the team better. After practice he runs routes with the rookies, and sets the standard of the hard work required.

A new quarterback, Matt Baker was just acquired today by the Saints. Baker graduated from North Carolina and spent last year with the Dallas Cowboys on the practice squad. No matter how much or how little he plays for the Saints, he will gain experience and wisdom from Mr. Drew Brees. Just like Tyler Palko and Jason Fife are... in the battle for the last spot at the position. It's 3 men for 1 job - and Drew is helping all of them along the way!

Brees for President!

Christi

This week I have spent some time at the Saints Training Camp to learn some new things about drills, watch a little football, and sweat off five pounds. Seriously ladies, head out to training camp to melt away your off-season weight.

So here are some non-football observations I made at football camp. (Such a girl thing I know)

It must be a requirement to have a husky, brash voice to be a NFL football coach because I don’t think I heard one coach politely yelling at his players who wasn’t hoarse. So about those drills; I still haven’t quite figured out the kick-blocking drill. Who came up with the thing that looks like a stuffed sock as a drill prop?
The atmosphere is sweet. I saw a good share of ladies out there watching practice – or Reggie Bush. The best are the fans that become the Saints paparazzi for a day and have their cameras to their face the entire practice. And I love when Deuce runs his extra unnecessary 20 yards and the fans go wild. Duuuueeeccccce!

Coach Payton or Coach P as I like to refer to him, is just like one of the players. He gets in the huddles, runs the drills with the players, and directs his practice with respect.

Give it up to the players who stay 30 minutes after practice to sign autographs on handout rosters, hats, footballs, kid’s arms, jerseys, and water bottles. I wonder what the most random object Drew Brees has ever signed.

Did I mention it is freaking HOT out there!

If you’re not in line to get autographs after practice you should still stick around to watch the after practice – practice. Some of the quarterbacks stay after with their receivers to play a little street ball. I was sitting in the stands just hoping one of the QBs would over-throw their receiver and I would catch the ball and send back a perfect spiral... and then Coach P would put me in and I would get a red jersey and then…sorry I just blacked out. All I wanna do is just play with the boys!

Put me in Coach, put me in!

Reporting from Saints Training Camp, Christi Steckel